1. Cancer Biology
Image of students in classroom

Advanced Classes

The Cancer Biology curriculum trains you in approaches aimed at translational research advances to patient care, including advanced coursework in both basic and clinical cancer biology. You will study cancer gene signaling pathways, development and differentiation, invasion and metastasis, and focus on diseases such as breast or prostate cancer, leukemia, and melanoma. Despite the progress made in elucidating mechanisms that underlie human cancer, we are still seeking further understanding of the fundamentals. This curriculum aims to do just that.

Meet the Co-Directors

Curriculum and Courses

Year One Fall courses include (credits):

  • BSR1012 Biomedical Science (6)
  • Biostatistics; one of three: BIO6400 Biostatistics for Biomedical Research (3); MPH0300 Intro to Biostatistics (3); or BSR1715 Modern Statistics for Modern Biology (4)
  • BSR1021 Responsible Conduct of Research (.5)
  • BSR1006 Lab Rotation (4)

Year One Spring courses include:

  • BSR1013 Biomedical Science (6)
  • BSR1022 Rigor and Reproducibility (.5)
  • BSR1007 Lab Rotation (4)

Year Two Spring courses include:

  • Independent Research
  • Advanced Topics: Cancer Biology
  • Journal Club: Cancer Biology
  • Seminar Series: Oncological Sciences
  • Cancer Biology Works-in-Progress
  • Optional: Practical Cancer Genomics, plus any other electives within the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Consult your multidisciplinary training area director.

Our Cancer Biology training area program requirements include:

  • Completion of Biomedical Sciences I and II, and two courses specific to cancer biology (Advanced Topics in Tumor Biology, Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology), as well as all graduate school curriculum requirements.
  • Completion of at least two rotations, then choosing a mentor who will guide you through the preparation of your dissertation and your thesis defense.
  • Participation in the cancer biology seminar series, which brings leading cancer researchers to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to present research. You will attend the seminar and meet as a student group with the speakers.
  • Participation in the Cancer Club during all your years of training. The Cancer Club provides a forum for you to present your ongoing work to other students and postdoctoral fellows.