Tumor Biology Training Program
Course Listing
Required Courses
Fall Semester
BCHB-501 Biochemical and Cellular Sciences I
(3 credits): Modern approaches to the study of metabolism, regulation, macromolecular structure, and function. Professor Nakai (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). In depth special topics units may be taken for 1 credit in conjunction with this course as BCMB-903 in the areas of 1) macromolecular structure and drug design, 2) propagation, preservation, and expression of genetic material, and 3) lipids and membranes. PHD/MS Yr 1
BCHB-528 Modern Methods in Molecular Biology
(3 credits): Introduction to the terminology of Molecular Biology and description of methods for use of analysis, purification, and quantitation of nucleic acids and proteins. Professors Wolfe (Department of Pharmacology) and Martin (Department of Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology). PHD/MS Yr 1
BIST-501: Introductory Biostatistics (3 credits): MS Required
TBIO-508 Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the Transformed Cell (4 credits): Designed to provide students with an integrative overview of mechanisms of growth control and malignant transformation by physical, chemical, and viral mechanisms. Introduction to growth factors, oncogenes, and suppressor genes. Includes an introduction to means of reverting or blocking malignant behavior with a particular emphasis on biochemical and molecular mechanisms. Professors Riegel and Mueller (Department of Oncology). PHD/MS Yr 1
TBIO-546 Resources for Cancer Research
(0 credits): This course provides an introduction to the Shared Resources of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Emphasis will be on the practical aspects of utilization. Professor Creswell (Department of Oncology). PhD Yr 2/MS Required
TBIO-591, 592 Signal Transduction Journal Club
(1 credit, spring or fall): Recent papers in the broad area of signal transduction as it pertains to areas such as growth factor signaling, angiogenesis, and transcription control mechanisms will be presented. Professor Riegel (Department of Oncology). PhD Yr 1 or 2
TBIO-701/703 Current Topics in Cancer Research:
Weekly journal club. Students will attend, participate in discussions, and prepare critical reviews of current articles in cancer research. This series is coordinated thematically with the weekly Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center outside speaker Tumor Biology Seminar Series. Professors Toretsky and Lechleider (Department of Oncology). PhD/MS Required in both Fall & Spring.
TBIO-705 Cancer Research Techniques (3 credits): Laboratory Research Project for MS Students. Part 1 of 2 (w/ TBIO-706). MS Required.
TBIO-711/713 Student Seminar (1 credit): Weekly seminar series. Students will attend scheduled research seminars presented by Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center members, as well as present a seminar. Professor Waldman (Department of Oncology). PhD Required in Fall & Spring. MS Required in Spring.
Required Courses
Spring Semester
BIST-502 Applied Biostatistics (3 credits): Introduction to Biostatistics. PhD Yr 1
CBIO-539 Biochemical and Cellular Sciences II
(3 credits): Intended as an in-depth introduction to the field of Cell Biology, covering the major topics: membrane structure and function; elements of the cytoplasm (endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, Golgi, cytoskeleton, etc); chemical signaling between cells, cell adhesion, and the extracellular matrix; control of cell division; motility; mechanisms of differentiation; and the properties of malignant cells. Professors Tang (Department of Oncology) & Gallicano (Department of Cell Biology). In depth, additional credits may be taken in conjunction with this course as CBIO-901 in the areas of cytoskeleton, adhesion, and signaling (1), and complex systems (1-2).
PhD Yr 1
PHAR-534 Ethical Issues in Scientific Research (2 credits): Discussion of ethical questions and dilemmas facing scientists today. Professors Schwartz (Department ofPharmacology) and Fitzgerald (Department of Oncology).
PhD Yr 1 or 2
TBIO-520 Cancer Prevention, Control, and Epidemiology
(2 credits): This course provides an understanding of the general principles involved in cancer prevention by life-style modifications from the basic science, clinical, and epidemiological perspectives. Professor Byrne and Chung (Department of Oncology). PhD/MS Yr 1
TBIO -535 Cancer Pharmacology
(2-4 credits): Provides students with an overview of fundamentals of pharmacology as applied to cancer therapy. Mechanisms of action and resistance to chemotherapeutic, antihormonal, biological response modifiers, and new experimental drugs will be emphasized. Professors Clarke and Glazer (Department of Oncology). Please note that sections of this class are offered. One section is offered for 2 credits and is comprised of the first half of the semester, and the other is offered for 4 credits, and runs the entire semester. PhD Yr 1 (4 credits); MS Required (2 or 4 credits)
TBIO-588 Preparing a Scientific Paper
(2 credits): The course covers the process of generating a manuscript for submission to a scientific journal. Starting with raw data, the process includes generating figures, legends for figures, results, discussion, methods, abstract, and introductory sections. Professor Wellstein (Department of Oncology). PhD Yr 2
TBIO-591, 592 Signal Transduction Journal Club
(1 credit, spring or fall): Recent papers in the broad area of signal transduction as it pertains to areas such as growth factor signaling, angiogenesis, and transcription control mechanisms will be presented. Professor Riegel (Department of Oncology). PhD Yr 1 or 2
TBIO-702/704 Current Topics in Cancer Research: as above
TBIO-712/714 Student Seminar: as above
Description of Additional Cancer-Specific Electives of the Program
Fall Semester
TBIO-513, 514 Clinical Conference on Breast Cancer (1 credit, spring, fall): This course promotes an appreciation for the biology of breast cancer as it occurs in individual women, allowing students to better formulate research programs addressing issues of clinical significance. Professor Liu (Department of Medicine).
TBIO-525 Cancer Genetics (3 credits, fall): This course introduces the fundamentals of the molecular genetics and molecular cytogenetics of cancer. In addition, it covers diagnostic, clinical, and population-based aspects of this rapidly advancing field. Professor Blancato (Department of Oncology).
TBIO-530 Bioinformatics, Biomarkers & Functional Genomics (2 credits, fall): Proessors Goldman and Clarke (Department of Oncology)
BIO-543 Clinical Survey of Human Cancer
(2 credits, fall): This course features a broad site by site survey of human cancer. The perspective is primarily from the points of view of the medical oncologist and pathologist, with an emphasis on providing an integrated view of each principal cancer covering the following: natural history, biology, and treatment. Professor Liu (Department of Medicine).
TBIO-545 Cancer Epidemiology (3 credits, fall): Professor Byrne (Department of Oncology)
TBIO-581, 582 Topics in Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer Risk (1 credit, spring, fall): The course will focus on the latest developments in the field of cancer risk assessment and explore how interindividual variation contributes to cancer risk. Professor Chung (Department of Oncology).
Spring Semester
TBIO-513, 514 Clinical Conference on Breast Cancer (1 credit, spring, fall): This course promotes an appreciation for the biology of breast cancer as it occurs in individual women, allowing students to better formulate research programs addressing issues of clinical significance. Professor Liu (Department of Medicine).
TBIO-554 Principles and Practice of Molecular Therapy (2 credits, spring): This course provides a comprehensive review of the basic principles of cancer gene therapy, and will highlight current progress in this field as well as the practical applications in the treatment of cancer. Professors Chang and Ojeifo (Department of Oncology).
TBIO-558 Genetics, Health, & Society in the 21st Century (3 credits, spring): This course provides a framework for understanding fundamentals of human medical genetics and the concomitant ethical and social issues that arise , as well as the practical implications for health and well-being. Professor Peshkin (Department of Oncology).
TBIO-560 Animal Models (2 credits, spring): Professors Albanese and Johnson (Department of Oncology).
TBIO-572 Pathogenic Basis of Cancer
(2 credits-spring): A combination of lecture and lab, this course provides a strong background in pathology as related to cancer. The course consists of general introductory pathology lectures, followed by the pathologic basis of specific cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, cervical and endometrial, and hemapoietic. Professors Underhill and Furth (Department of Oncology). Note: Offered alternate years (Spring 07, Spring 09, etc.)
TBIO-581, 582 Topics in Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer Risk (1 credit, spring, fall): The course will focus on the latest developments in the field of cancer risk assessment and explore how interindividual variation contributes to cancer risk. Professor Shields (Department of Oncology).
TBIO-588 Preparing a Scientific Paper
(2 credits, spring): The course covers the process of generating a manuscript for submission to a scientific journal. Starting with raw data, the process includes generating figures, legends for figures, results, discussion, methods, abstract, and introductory sections. Professor Wellstein (Department of Oncology).
TBIO/PBIO-595 Tumor Endocrinology
(2 credits, fall): This course covers the physiologic and molecular biologic aspects of the common hormone dependent cancers, such as those of the breast, prostate, and uterus. Professor Clarke (Department of Oncology) (offered alternate years with TBIO/PBIO-507).
TBIO-901, 902 Tutorial (variable credit): Special topics, as arranged with faculty
Additional courses are available as electives from the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biostatistics & Biomathematics, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Radiation Medicine.
