Download Cancer Biology Graduate Program - Wayne State | School of Medicine

KCI annually receives more than $58
million of extramural peer-reviewed
funding of which more than $36
million is from the National Cancer
Institute. KCI gains additional support
from the Department of Defense,
the American Cancer Society, Susan
G. Komen Foundation, private trusts
and foundations, and generous
donors. Seminal past achievements
of KCI faculty include novel antiretroviral agents such as AZT and the
establishment of permanent in vitro
cell lines for hormone-responsive
breast cancer (MCF-7) and for
premalignant breast lesions (MCF10). KCI operates one of the largest
phase I clinical trials groups in the
country with significant contributions
to the success of numerous anticancer drugs including paclitaxel,
erlotinib, and lapatinib.
A primary objective of KCI is to ensure
the integration of its research efforts,
clinical programs, and community
outreach activities and to ensure
that each element is structured to
recognize and enhance opportunities
for productive and meaningful
collaboration. The entire mission of
this Comprehensive Cancer Center
is the ultimate prevention and
cure of cancer. Fundamental basic
laboratory, clinical, and population
research are the foundation for all of
KCI’s Programs, which are ultimately
directed toward the prevention, early
detection, or treatment of neoplasia.
Reflecting the long-term continued
successes of the Cancer Center in
research, patient care, outreach, and
graduate education, the Board of
Regents of Wayne State University
established in March of 2010 the
Department of Oncology in the
School of Medicine as the academic
home of the basic, population,
and clinical scientists that form the
backbone of the Cancer Center.
The Department of Oncology is
now the academic home for the
Cancer Biology Graduate Program
and faculty involved in graduate
education all hold appointments in
the Department of Oncology and
KCI.
Contact: Jill de Jesus, MSA
110 E. Warren Avenue, Suite 2215
Detroit, MI 48201
313-578-4302
http://cancerbiologyprogram.med.wayne.edu/
Curriculum
The graduate education of each cancer biology student is tailored to his/her specific interests and
research requirements. Previous educational experience is recognized so as to permit the student
to progress as rapidly as possible. Since the program requires a broad understanding of cancer
biology, a core curriculum is required. A total of 34 credits from the following are required for
graduation.
Course Number
Course Name
Credits
IBS 7010
Molecular Biology
5
IBS 7020
Cell Biology
5
IBS 70xx
Biomedical Elective
2
IBS 70xx
Biomedical Elective
2
CB 7210
Fundamentals of Cancer Biology
3
CB 7130
Clinical Aspects of Cancer Biology
1
CB 7700
Recent Developments (journal club)
7*
CB 7890
Seminar Series
6*
CB 7710
Individual Study in Cancer Biology
(research rotations for 1st year students)
3
Cancer Biology
Graduate Program
*1 credit per semester up to the total credits noted.
B A R B A R A
In addition to the required courses, a
number of advanced cancer biology
courses are offered from which students
choose up to 11 credit hours. This gives a
total of 45 coursework credits. A number
of other courses are available to allow
students to specialize in a specific research
discipline.
A N N
CANCER INSTITUTE
110 E. Warren Avenue, Suite 2215
Detroit, MI 48201
313-578-4302
http://cancerbiologyprogram.med.wayne.edu/
Course Number
Course Name
Credits
CB 7220
Molecular Biology of Cancer Development
3
CB 7430
Cancer Epidemiology
2
CB 7240
Principles of Cancer Therapy
2
CB 7460
Mechanisms of Neoplasia-Signaling
3
CB 7410
Tumor Immunology
3
CB 7600
Applied Cancer Biostatistics
3
CB 7900
Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology
1-3
It is expected that the majority of the course work will be completed during the first and second
years of PhD study. A written comprehensive qualifying exam is administered in the late spring
of the first year of study, followed by an oral comprehensive exam of the proposed dissertation
research. During the summer of the first year, a month-long clinical rotation is required (CB
7130) during which graduate students “round” with oncologists treating cancer patients in the
Karmanos cancer hospital. The third and subsequent years are primarily devoted to dissertation
research. Forty-five credits of general research, including 30 credits of dissertation research (see
below), will complete the Graduate School requirements for the PhD degree.
Course Number
Course Name
Credits
CB 7996
Research
1-15
CB 9991
Doctoral Candidate Status I
7.5
CB 9992
Doctoral Candidate Status 2
7.5
CB 9993
Doctoral Candidate Status 3
7.5
CB 9994
Doctoral Candidate Status 4
7.5
In addition to traditional classroom learning, there are many additional educational opportunities
available to our students including seminars by nationally/internationally renowned scientists both
within and outside the cancer canter, special non-credit courses, fellowship and grant writing, and
research workshops.
Message from the Director
Thank you for your interest in the Cancer Biology
Graduate Program at the Wayne State University School
of Medicine and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer
Institute. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of
cancer are occurring at a breath-taking pace. Our unique
graduate program immerses our students in a broad
multidisciplinary curriculum that includes opportunities
for original and critical thinking and extensive interactions
with outstanding basic and clinical scientists at one of our
nation’s most dynamic cancer-focused environments.
Our goal in the Cancer Biology Graduate Program is to
instill a passion for scientific discovery as we train the
next generation of cancer biology researchers. There is
a remarkable range of training opportunities available
in areas ranging from cancer therapeutics, cancer
genetics, tumor imaging, tumor immunology, tumor
microenvironment and metastasis, to population studies
of cancer. Our program and institution offers state-ofthe-art research facilities, accomplished faculty, and a
highly motivated group of student peers, combined with
outstanding opportunities for recreation and a vibrant,
culturally rich metropolitan area.
Sincerely,
Larry H. Matherly, Ph.D.
Professor of Oncology and Pharmacology
Director, Cancer Biology Graduate Program
Curriculum
Historically, researchers involved in cancer biology research have focused on
a particular field in biology or medicine relating to alterations in fundamental
biological processes that result in malignancy, progression to fatal metastatic
disease, or success or failure of therapy. However, continued advances in
cancer diagnosis and treatment will require scientists who have a greater
specialization in the biology of cancer while, at the same time, exposure to a
host of disciplines, ranging from biochemistry to cell biology and immunology,
and to state-of-the-art cell biology and molecular biology methods.
The Cancer Biology Graduate Program at the Wayne State University School
of Medicine and the Karmanos Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing
an outstanding training experience in the rapidly evolving field of cancer
research. Our philosophy behind the PhD training program in Cancer Biology
is that to train the next generation of cancer researchers requires a strong
interdisciplinary graduate curriculum with a major focus on the biology of
cancer and opportunities to regularly interact with clinicians engaged in
cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our goal is develop scientists with capacities
for critical scientific thinking needed to conduct original research as an
independent cancer investigator. The PhD program consists of formal course
work which provides a comprehensive education in the basic concepts, along
with solid training in the core disciplines that serve contemporary cancer
research. Our graduates gain a broad understanding of the fundamental
principles that underlie this diverse and dynamic field with in-depth
knowledge in their dissertation discipline. An integral part of the training
experience involves opportunities to develop written and oral communication
skills essential to future success as a cancer researcher. To complete the PhD,
students must successfully defend the dissertation research and complete a
publishable research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Research
Outside of the required coursework and written and oral comprehensive
exams, the bulk of PhD study involves independent laboratory or populationbased research leading to results of publishable caliber. We offer a variety of
research experiences in the broad field of Cancer Biology that range from basic
laboratory research to translational research and cancer population research.
Dissertation research mentors are selected based on students’ research
interests and the research rotation experiences. Since scientific research is
open-ended, the amount of time required for completion of a defensible
dissertation leading to the PhD cannot be predicted, although typically the
PhD degree is conferred within 4 to 5 years. A written dissertation and a
final oral defense of the dissertation research by the Dissertation Research
Committee are requirements for conferring the PhD degree in Cancer Biology.
There is a requirement for a first author publication based on the dissertation
research for the PhD degree.
Financial Support
Financial support for our training program in Cancer Biology is derived from university fellowships, traineeships from a
training grant from the National Cancer Institute, faculty grants, and individual graduate fellowships. Additional support for
our training program in Cancer Biology is provided through the generosity of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Selection of a Dissertation Research Project and Dissertation Mentor
The Cancer Biology Graduate Program offers research opportunities in many areas of contemporary
Cancer Biology including cancer therapeutics, metastasis, tumor microenvironment, breast
cancer biology, carcinogenesis, cancer genetics, and cancer immunology. Students complete
up to three laboratory research rotations in the laboratories of prospective PhD mentors
during the first year of study (one in each semester) after which he/she chooses a dissertation
mentor. During the second year of study, students submit a “Plan of Work” that documents
the academic curriculum leading to the PhD, after which a permanent dissertation advisory
committee is established. PhD candidacy is conferred upon successful completion of the oral
comprehensive exam. The progress of students is reviewed by the dissertation committee at
frequent intervals, no less than annually.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University is one of three constitutionally autonomous major state universities
in Michigan. The 203-acre campus is the academic meeting ground for the 31,000 students
enrolled in its 13 schools and colleges, making it the 18th largest university in the nation.
The university offers More than 400 undergraduate, post-bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral,
professional, specialist and certificate programs. Students come from 49 states and more
than 70 countries. In 1994, WSU joined a select group of 87 universities nationwide
classified as “Research Universities I” by the Carnegie Foundation in recognition of
its broad range of baccalaureate programs, commitment to graduate education,
and strong emphasis on research. Research expenditures at the university are $254
million annually. The faculty at WSU number approximately 1700, with 750 in the
School of Medicine. The University has more than 500,000 sq ft of laboratory space
committed to teaching and research. WSU is home to several university centers and
institutes that are critical to investigators at KCI, including the following C.S. Mott
Center for Human Growth and Development, Center for Molecular Medicine and
Genetics, and the Institute for Environmental Health Sciences. TechTown, the Wayne
State research and technology park, includes more than 270 tenant companies from
the USA and abroad.
Barbara Ann Karmanos Institute
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) is a unique, urbanbased center of research, patient care and education, dedicated to
the prevention, early detection, treatment and eventual eradication of
cancer. KCI was formed in 1994 through a strategic partnership of
the Meyer L. Prentis Comprehensive Cancer Center of Metropolitan
Detroit, the Wayne State University Cancer Institute, the Michigan
Cancer Foundation, and the clinical cancer programs of the Detroit
Medical Center. The original designation as a National Cancer InstituteDesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center was successfully obtained
by the Meyer L. Prentis Comprehensive Cancer Center of Metropolitan
Detroit in 1978 and has been operated by the Karmanos Cancer
Institute at Wayne State University since 1995.