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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
FY1. Identify and summarize the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs
FY2. Describe the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms that maintain the normal function, development, and plasticity of cells, tissues, and organs
FY3. Summarize basic disease causes and processes that affect the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs
FY4. Assess and critically analyze relevant basic science and clinical literature.
FY5. Design and conduct applicable biomedical sciences experiments
FY6. Organize, interpret and summarize results of applicable biomedical sciences experiments.
FY7. Demonstrate ethical and responsible conduct in research and all other scholarly activities consistent with the University of Toledo, Health Science Campus, Standards of Conduct
K1 Knowledge of the normal structure and function of the body and its organ systems.
K2 Knowledge of molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms important in maintaining the body’s homeostasis.
K3 Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenic transformation from initiation of cells through tumor metastasis.
K4 Knowledge of the pathophysiology of prominent types of cancer.
K5 Knowledge of basic bioinformatic and statistical methods used in the design and interpretation of research projects.
K6 Knowledge of the principles and legal responsibilities that govern responsible conduct of research, the ethical care and use of animals in research, and the accurate reporting of research results.
S1 The ability to perform laboratory procedures necessary for the completion of the student’s dissertation (Ph.D.) or thesis (M.S.) research project(s).
S2 The ability to design and complete an independent research project.
S3 The ability to perform research productively as an individual or member of a research team.
S4 The ability to communicate research findings effectively, both orally and in writing.
S5 The ability to retrieve (from electronic databases and other sources), manage, and utilize biomedical information for solving problems that are relevant to the appropriate completion of a research project, and accurate reporting of the results
P1 Ethical, responsible, and reliable behavior in all aspects of their professional lives.
P2 Honesty and integrity in all interactions with colleagues, research subjects, and others with whom students may interact in their professional lives.
P3 Professionalism in dress and grooming in compliance with health and safety rules applicable to research laboratories and to other institutional and public sites.
P4 Respect and adherence to all laws and regulations governing the biomedical research use of animals and patient materials, and for all patient privacy issues.