| CANCER RESEARCH within the MII program is focused in the following areas: |
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Overview Training in cancer research at the University of Virginia is a dynamic process that includes formal coursework, laboratory research, and a variety of programmatic activities designed to provide the student with the intellectual and technical tools needed to pursue a career in cancer research. The predoctoral cancer training program typically requires 4-6 years of study with the ultimate goal of earning a Ph.D. During the first year, students work toward completing formal course requirements and rotate through three different research laboratories. Thesis laboratories are chosen at the end of the first year. Completion of a comprehensive exam at the end of the second year qualifies the student to advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. Training in cancer research at UVA is enriched by a long-standing NIH/NCI-funded program in Molecular Carcinogenesis that provides stipend, tuition, and health insurance for qualified students. Coursework Students take a select group of core courses in the first semester designed to provide a solid foundation in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and gene regulation. An individualized coursework program is then developed for the next three semesters to meet the specific interests of the student. In addition to various electives, students in the cancer training program take a course entitled “The Molecular Basis of Cancer” in their 2nd semester and “Advanced Topics in Cancer” in their 3rd semester. They also participate in topical journal clubs, a cancer seminar series, and various research-in-progress meetings. Students have the opportunity to develop oral presentation skills throughout their tenure as graduate students by participating in colloquia, journal clubs, research group meetings, and mini-courses. Laboratory Research Students perform three rotations in laboratories of their choice during their first year in the program. These rotations provide an opportunity to become familiar with specific laboratory and research areas while performing small research projects. Students typically choose to begin their rotations during the summer prior to the beginning of courses so that they can become acquainted with research opportunities before classes begin. After completion of the rotations at the end of the first year of study, students choose a research lab and thesis advisor. Faculty The research programs of faculty participants in the MII graduate program with a special interest in cancer research are nationally and internationally renowned. They are well-funded from both federal and private sources, providing student research activities with excellent financial and technological support. Laboratories are well-equipped with modern and sophisticated instrumentation to enable advanced experimentation in molecular and cellular biology. For a listing of mentors in cancer research, see http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/bims_mii/mentors_cancer.cfm. Activities A wide range of activities outside of the classroom and laboratory are available to students in the MII program. Weekly seminar series in microbiology, immunology, infectious disease, biodefense, cancer, and cell biology provide a mechanism for students to hear about the newest developments throughout the international research community. These seminar series are complemented by one- and two-day symposia highlighting the research of distinguished scientists whose research focuses on related topics. Students have the opportunity to present their own work to faculty and peers at annual poster sessions and regional meetings. Students in the cancer training program are strongly encouraged to present their work each year at the annual meeting of the Virginia Chapter of the American Cancer Society, which rotates between UVA, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA), Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA), and Medical College of Virginia (Richmond, VA). Students are also encouraged to attend and present their work at national and international scientific meetings. Stipend All students in the MII graduate program will receive a stipend that is competitive with that offered by other institutions, and the cost of living in Charlottesville is low. Tuition, fees, health insurance and travel costs to scientific meetings are also covered. The program makes a commitment to support a student as long as he or she is making acceptable progress toward their degree. To apply Applications for students should be made through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Following an initial screening, competitive applicants are invited to Charlottesville to interview with the faculty of the MII graduate program. The program will be pleased to assist with travel expenses. The preferred application deadline for fall admission is February 15, though we will continue to accept applications until March 15 if positions are available. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. The following are general requirements for admission.
Interested students should apply to the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs at the University of Virginia http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/admissions/apply.html indicating “Biomedical Sciences” as the “Department Applied To” and “Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease” as the preferred “Area of Interest.” After submitting your application electronically, you will be prompted in an e-mail to list several areas of research foci. Please select “cancer” as one of your foci. For more information, please contact:
Return to MII home page http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/bims_mii/ |