Cancer Biology PhD Program
The Cancer Biology PhD program at the U-M Medical School combines rigorous research training and a highly flexible curriculum tailored to each student's unique interests. Cancer is a complex disease that spans multiple scientific disciplines, and we actively encourage students to pursue research questions that are meaningful to them and tailor their coursework to support and enhance their specific research focus.
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Program Overview
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to support a wide range of interests. Students complete required PIBS courses, core coursework in cancer biology, a foundational course in bioinformatics, graduate seminars, and more. Beyond these required courses, students have the freedom to choose elective courses that deepen existing strengths or address specific knowledge gaps, allowing them to fully personalize their educational experience based on their interests within the field of cancer biology.
Beginning in their second year, students share their research progress and insights through the Cancer Biology Seminar Series and other informal opportunities including poster sessions and the annual program retreat, fostering a vibrant, collaborative learning environment.
PhD Program Requirements
The Cancer Biology PhD program combines innovative research training with a structured curriculum and strong mentorship. Students begin with lab rotations and foundational coursework in their first year, then advance to dissertation research under the guidance of a program-affiliated mentor.
Along the way, milestones such as the preliminary exam and candidacy requirements ensure that students build the knowledge, skills, and independence needed to become leaders in cancer research.
Incoming PIBS PhD students explore a variety of research opportunities by participating in research rotations throughout the Fall and Winter terms. Students select a mentor and PhD program after completing the PIBS year.
To join the Cancer Biology PhD program, students choose a mentor who is affiliated with the Cancer Biology program. The student's mentor supports them in selecting a dissertation topic, forming a dissertation committee, and navigating other key aspects of graduate education and professional development. Additionally, the program leadership team offers further guidance and support throughout the student's time in the program.
Fall Term - Year One
- CANCBIO 800: Cancer Biology Seminar Series (1 credit)
- PIBS 503: Research Responsibility & Ethics (1 credit)
- PIBS 601: Research Lab Rotation I (2 credits)
- PIBS 602: Research Lab Rotation II (2 credits)
- PIBS 800: PIBS Seminar Series (1 credit)
- Relevant Electives (3-6 credits)*
*Students should take relevant electives based on their areas of interest and are encouraged to consult with members of the Cancer Biology Program leadership team on appropriate elective selection.
Winter Term - Year One
- BIOINF 524: Foundations for Bioinformatics (3 credits)
- CANCBIO 554: The Science of Cancer (4 credits)
- CANCBIO 800: Cancer Biology Seminar Series (1 credit)
- PIBS 504: Rigor and Reproducibility Training (1 credit)
- PIBS 603: Research Lab Rotation III (2 credits)
- PIBS 604: Research Lab Rotation IV (2 credits)
- PIBS 800: PIBS Seminar Series (1 credit)
Candidacy Dissertation Research Course
After students are advanced to candidacy at the end of the first year, they will register for their mentor's section of CANCBIO 995: Candidacy Dissertation Research (8 credits) each Fall and Winter term until the completion of their degree.
Additional Recommendations
Students are encouraged to take PHRMACOL 502: Introduction to Scientific Communication (3 credits) in the Fall semester of their second year to prepare for preliminary exam checkpoint two.
In addition to the required coursework, the Preliminary/Qualifying Examination (prelim) must be passed before a student achieves candidacy for the PhD degree. The prelims are formatted to ensure the assessment of the skills that are required to become an independent, critical thinker and opinion leader in an area of cancer biology and consist of two separate checkpoints.
- Checkpoint 1: Didactic Exam: Checkpoint 1 is completed in May of the 1st academic year and consists of a didactic exam that evaluates students' understanding of the fundamentals of cancer biology. Passing this checkpoint advances a student to candidacy.
- Checkpoint 2: Research Proposal & Oral Exam: Checkpoint 2 is completed in the Winter term of the second year and consists of a written research proposal and oral exam, which are evaluated by the prelim committee. The selected topic for the written proposal and oral exam should represent the student's planned PhD thesis research.
Cancer Biology Seminar Series
The Cancer Biology Seminar Series (CB800), held during the Fall and Winter terms, includes formal presentations by Cancer Biology Program students, faculty members, postdocs and invited guest speakers from outside the University of Michigan nominated by trainees in the program.
Cancer Biology students are expected to regularly attend and participate in the Seminar Series throughout their time in the program and, starting in the second year, must present once every academic year until they successfully complete their degree requirements.
Cancer Biology Internal Website
Resources and information for current Cancer Biology Program learners and faculty.
PhD Student Handbook
Our student handbook is a detailed guide outlining academic requirements, departmental events, graduate student responsibilities, available resources, and more.
Current PhD Students
Meet the learners in the Cancer Biology PhD program, each pursuing groundbreaking research and a flexible curriculum tailored to their interests.
Program Leadership
Costas A Lyssiotis, PhD
Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Professor of Internal Medicine
Director Academic Program
Graduate Program in Cancer Biology
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Co-Director of the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer
Rogel Cancer Center
Medical School
