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Cancer Biology
Telephone  336-716-9132

Fax  336-716-0255

Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC  27157

PhD Graduate Program Curriculum: Cancer Biology

The curriculum of the Cancer Biology Graduate Program is designed to provide maximum exposure to the cancer problem, while providing necessary biological and biochemical fundamentals.

Students need to register for courses with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester/summer.

 Learn More About the PhD Curriculum 

Course Requirements

 

 

First Year – MCB curriculum  
MCB core course MCB 700, 701, 702
Elective Cancer Biology-specific block courses MCB 721, 722, 723
Introduction to Professional Development Grad 701
Scientific Professionalism: Scientific Integrity Grad 713, 714
Dissertations advisor and laboratory selection CABI 723, 724
   
Summer Session, First Year
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 723
   
Fall Semester, Second Year
Cancer Cell Biology (core course) CABI 705
Topics in Cancer Lecture Series CABI 707
Cancer Biology journal club CABI 711
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 723
Quantitative Methods in Behavioral Sciences PSPR 741
Dissertations committee selection  
   
Spring Semester, Second Year
Topics in Cancer Lecture Series CABI 708
Cancer Biology journal club CABI 712
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 724
Optional Elective*  
Submit dissertation proposal outline-June  
Submit formal thesis proposal Mid-July  
Defend dissertation proposal to committee- August  
Admission to PhD degree candidacy  
   

Summer Session, Second Year

Research

CABI 723

   
Fall Semester, Third Year
Topics in Cancer Lecture Series CABI 707
Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology CABI 711
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 723
Optional Elective  
   
Spring Semester, Third Year
Topics in Cancer Lecture Series CABI 708
Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology CABI 712
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 724
Optional Elective  
   
Summer Session, Third Year
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 723
   
Fall Semester, Fourth Year
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 723
   
Spring Semester, Fourth Year
Research in Cancer Biology CABI 724  

 

  Three Laboratory Rotations  

Each student works in at least 3 different laboratories during the first year; these rotations are mandatory. Working in at least 3 different laboratories provides students with opportunities to learn research techniques that are used in each lab and program.

A major goal of the laboratory rotations is for the students to obtain in-depth views of the laboratories in which they may wish to pursue their research. It is an opportunity for the student and faculty to evaluate whether they have mutual interests that would aid in the student's career development. Each laboratory rotation lasts for 12 weeks.

After orientation and with the beginning of classes, each student chooses potential laboratories in which to work during the first semester rotation and afterwards for the second and third rotation after consultation with the MCB Program Director and individual program. At the end of each lab rotation, the faculty member heading the laboratory will prepare an evaluation of the student’s overall performance, discuss it with the student, and send the evaluation to the Graduate and MCB Program Directors. Each laboratory rotation has to be finished with a satisfactory performance. Unsatisfactory behavior may factor into the recommendation for dismissal from the program.

After the rotations have been completed, students choose a laboratory in which to do their dissertation research, with the consent of the faculty member that heads the laboratory in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.

Seminars and Symposia     

Attendance at seminars is strongly encouraged to broaden the educational experience of graduate students. Beginning with their second year, students are expected to attend seminars sponsored, in whole or in part, by the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University. Each Cancer Biology graduate student will present his/her research once each year as a research progress report before the Department of Cancer Biology. View Cancer Presentations.

Curriculum Committee

A curriculum committee, consisting of course directors, two graduate students and the Program Director, meets quarterly to discuss suggestions made for the program and any problems that arise. Any concerns and suggestions can be made to the committee chair. The committee will discuss and vote on agenda items that become effective immediately after the meeting or when applicable.

Mentoring

The program directors have an “open door” policy and are available to the students at any time. A formal monthly lunch meeting with all students is held to discuss potential problems and latest news. All students are encouraged to discuss grievances with the program directors at any time.

After the first year, the student will be assigned, or can choose a temporary faculty advisor, who will assist the student in devising the initial coursework and help the student acclimate to the department and the graduate school. The continued tasks for this mentor will be the student’s career development. This advisor will assist the student in choosing a postdoctoral fellowship and a career path. The advisor will also advise the student concerning non-academic aspects of a scientific career, including such activities as networking, forming collaborations and obtaining research funding.

After the student selects a laboratory to conduct the dissertation research, the faculty supervisor becomes the student’s permanent advisor. The role of this advisor is to advise the student in academic matters, choosing the appropriate didactic coursework and providing advice for and monitoring the progress of the dissertation research. 


Last Updated 5/3/2012
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.