MSBS in Cancer Biology
The MSBS Qualifying Exam is taken in the summer term of the first year. Prior to completing the exam, students should carry out their thesis research under the course Research in CABP 6730. After passing the Qualifying Exam, students conduct their research under the course Thesis Research (CABP 6990). The minimum number of credits required for MSBS is 40, with a minimum of 25 credits of didactic coursework (letter grade), and a minimum of 10 credits of thesis research. The rest of the credits are approved electives and research in the Cancer Biology track.
All Masters students are also required to present posters in the annual UTHSC Graduate Student Research Forum and oral presentations in the annual Larry Gentry Research Symposia beginning in their second year.
Advanced Courses in the Cancer Biology Track
Advanced Cancer Biology
A comprehensive examination of the cellular and molecular foundation of cancer. Topics to be covered include: neoplasia; epidemiology and etiology; the role of causative agents such as chemicals, radiation, and viruses; cell proliferation, injury, and death; oncogenes; tumor suppressor genes; cancer therapies, and overviews of several major types of cancer.
Readings in Cancer Biology
A readings and discussion course that will examine classic and current research publications from within the broad realm of cancer biology.
Independent Study in Cancer Biology
In-depth study of research areas chosen by individual faculty. Examples of such topics may be: drug therapy and resistance, hormonal carcinogenesis, and epigenetic mechanisms of oncogenesis
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BMSP 6330 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Proteins | 2 |
| BMSP 6340 | Curr Prob Res App Genes/Genom | 2 |
| BMSP 6360 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Cell Membranes | 2 |
| BMSP 6380 | Methods in Biomedical Sciences | 2 |
| BMSP 6390 | Mentored Research | 1 |
| BMSP 6470 | System Pathophysiology | 4 |
| BMSP 6350 | Cell Biology & Signaling | 3 |
| CABP 6560 | Readings in Cancer Biology | 1 |
| CABP 6730 | Research in Cancer Biology | 1-9 |
| BMSP 5320 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| INDI 6020 | On Being a Scientist | 1 |
| CABP 6270 | Advanced Cancer Biology | 3 |
| CABP 6890 | Ind Study in Cancer Biology | 1-9 |
| CABP 6990 | Thesis Research in Cancer Biol | 1-9 |
| First Term | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Biomedical Research | 0 | |
| BMSP 6330 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Proteins | 2 |
| BMSP 6340 | Curr Prob Res App Genes/Genom | 2 |
| BMSP 6380 | Methods in Biomedical Sciences | 2 |
| BMSP 6360 | Current Problems and Research Approaches in Cell Membranes | 2 |
| BMSP 6390 | Mentored Research | 1 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Term | ||
| BMSP 6470 | System Pathophysiology | 4 |
| BMSP 6350 | Cell Biology & Signaling | 3 |
| CABP 6560 | Readings in Cancer Biology | 1 |
| BMSP 6390 | Mentored Research | 1 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Third Term | ||
| BMSP 5320 | Statistical Methods I | 3 |
| INDI 6020 | On Being a Scientist | 1 |
| CABP 6730 | Research in Cancer Biology | 2 |
| Qualifying Examination must be completed by end of summer semester, which consists of 20 questions taken from a '100 question cancer biology bank' that was given to you at the start of your first semester. | ||
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| CABP 6270 | Advanced Cancer Biology | 3 |
| (elective, can also take this course in third year) | ||
| CABP 6990 | Thesis Research in Cancer Biol | 6-9 |
| or | ||
| Electives | ||
| Hours | 9-12 | |
| Fifth Term | ||
| CABP 6560 | Readings in Cancer Biology | 1 |
| CABP 6990 | Thesis Research in Cancer Biol | 1-8 |
| Electives | ||
| Hours | 2-9 | |
| Sixth Term | ||
| CABP 6990 | Thesis Research in Cancer Biol | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Seventh Term | ||
| CABP 6270 | Advanced Cancer Biology | 3 |
| (elective, if not taken in 2nd year) | ||
| CABP 6990 | Thesis Research in Cancer Biol | 6-9 |
| Hours | 9-12 | |
| Eighth Term | ||
| CABP 6990 | Thesis Research in Cancer Biol | 9 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Ninth Term | ||
| CABP 6990 | Thesis Research in Cancer Biol | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 65-78 | |
Prior to successfully completing the Qualifying Exam by end of 1st summer, students should conduct their thesis research under the course Research in CABP 6730. After passing the Qualifying Exam, students should conduct their research under the course Research in CABP 6990.
The minimum number of credits required for MSBS is 40 total, with a minimum of 20 didactic coursework (letter grade) and a minimum of 10 credits of thesis research. The rest of the credits are approved electives and research in the Cancer Biology track.
Masters' students are also required to present posters or oral presentations in the annual HSC Graduate Research Forum and oral presentations in the annual Larry Gentry Research Symposia beginning in their second year.