In the Master of Science in Tumor Biology, students learn basic concepts in cancer biology, including in biochemistry, pharmacology, prevention and methodology specific to cancer research. Students are trained in basic laboratory techniques and will complete a research project. Graduates of the program have a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cancer progression and the existing clinical challenges in treating this disease.
In addition to in-class courses, students complete a Laboratory Research Project that spans both semesters. Students are matched with a cancer researcher at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center based on shared interests and preferences. In the laboratory, students receive hands-on training for planning and conducting experiments to answer key questions in cancer biology. Common techniques learned include methods in cell culture, molecular biology (analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins or metabolites), or in vivo models of cancer.
This program is offered through Biomedical Graduate Education (BGE) at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Students are required to complete 30 credits of coursework, a year-long laboratory placement, and a laboratory research project. Our curricula have the flexibility for students to choose electives to tailor the program to their interests.
Standard Track
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| TBIO 6508 | Cellular & Molecular Aspects | 4 |
| TBIO 6510 | Biochem for Cancer Research | 4 |
| TBIO 7050 | Cancer Research Techniques | 3 |
| TBIO 7060 | Cancer Res Techniques | 3 |
| TBIO 6536 | Cancer Pharmacology | 4 |
| Intro to Bioinformatics | |
BCHB 5190 | | |
| PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH | |
| DNA Damage, Repair & Hmn Thrpy | |
| Applctn of Biostat to Big Data | |
| Clinical Bioinformatics | |
| Clinical Conf On Breast Cancer | |
| Cancer Prevent/Control/Epidem | |
| Epigenetics:Mech &Env Implctns | |
| Cancer Epigenetics | |
| Cancer Genetics | |
| Prin/Prac of Behavioral Scienc | |
| Clinical Survey of Human Cance | |
| Resources for Cancer Research | |
| Minrty Hlth & Hlth Disparities | |
| Animal Models | |
| Minrty Hlth & Hlth Disparities | |
| Pathologic Basis of Cancer | |
| Top:Molec Epidem of Cancer Ris | |
| Intro to Cancer as a Disease | |
| Systems Biology & Bioinformati | |
| Prin/Prac of Behavioral Scienc | |
| Resources for Cancer Research | |
| Animal Models | |
| Minrty Hlth & Hlth Disparities | |
| Pathologic Basis of Cancer | |
| Top:Molec Epidem of Cancer Ris | |
| Intro to Cancer as a Disease | |
| Intro to Tumor Biology | |
| Transcriptomics: Microarray An | |
| Proteomics: Mass Spectrometry | |
| Systems Biology: Pathway & Net | |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Cancer Systems Biology Track
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| TBIO 6508 | Cellular & Molecular Aspects | 3 |
| TBIO 6510 | Biochem for Cancer Research | 4 |
| TBIO 7050 | Cancer Research Techniques | 3 |
| TBIO 7060 | Cancer Res Techniques | 3 |
| TBIO 6530 | Systems Biology & Bioinformati | 3 |
| SYSM 5910 | Biomedical Informatics | 3 |
| SYSM 5940 | Translational Bioinformatics | 3 |
| Intro to Bioinformatics | |
BCHB 5190 | | |
| PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH | |
| DNA Damage, Repair & Hmn Thrpy | |
| Applctn of Biostat to Big Data | |
| Clinical Bioinformatics | |
| Clinical Conf On Breast Cancer | |
| Cancer Prevent/Control/Epidem | |
| Epigenetics:Mech &Env Implctns | |
| Cancer Epigenetics | |
| Cancer Genetics | |
| Systems Biology & Bioinformati | |
| Prin/Prac of Behavioral Scienc | |
| Clinical Survey of Human Cance | |
| Resources for Cancer Research | |
| Animal Models | |
| Minrty Hlth & Hlth Disparities | |
| Pathologic Basis of Cancer | |
| Top:Molec Epidem of Cancer Ris | |
| Intro to Cancer as a Disease | |
| Intro to Tumor Biology | |
| Transcriptomics: Microarray An | |
| Proteomics: Mass Spectrometry | |
| Systems Biology: Pathway & Net | |
| Total Credits | 30 |