Curriculum | MS in Tumor Biology

10 Months

30 Credits

Full-Time or Part-Time

Laboratory Research Project

What You’ll Learn

Students will learn basic concepts in cancer biology. Topics include biochemistry, pharmacology, prevention and methodology specific to cancer research. Students will be trained in basic laboratory techniques and will be expected to complete a research project. Graduates from our program will 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 are required to complete a Laboratory Research Project (TBIO 7050/7060) that spans both semesters. Students are matched with a cancer researcher at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center based on mutual 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. 

The Masters of Science in Tumor Biology has two tracks – Standard Tumor Biology Track and Cancer Systems Biology Track. Click the tracks below for more information on each track.

Both tracks provide students with an interdisciplinary concentration in the study of Tumor Biology as well as laboratory experience.

Required Courses for the Standard Tumor Biology Track
TBIO 6520: Cancer Prevention, Control, & Epidemiology
TBIO 6536: Cancer Pharmacology

The Cancer Systems Biology track introduces students to current theories and promising new “-omics” tools to study the dynamics of carcinogenesis.

Students will have laboratory experience in a Georgetown University Medical Center laboratory that focuses on a systems biology approach to cancer research.

Required Courses for Cancer Systems Biology Track
TBIO 6530: Systems Biology & Bioinformatics
SYSM 5910: Biomedical informatics