City of Hope

City of Hope, a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

City of Hope Graduate School of Biological Sciences Academic Program located near Los Angeles

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 Academic Program Overview

The Graduate School of Biological Sciences offers a rigorous program of coursework and laboratory research culminating in a Ph.D. degree. The goal is to develop professionally trained scientists, prepared for a career in academic, medical or industrial research.  Time to complete the program varies, depending on a student’s previous experience and the dissertation project chosen. On arrival, each student is assigned a faculty advisor to evaluate their academic and research progress. 
The First Year

During the first year, the student must complete:

  • Core Curriculum
  • Three laboratory rotations (10 to 12 weeks each). Students are required to write a report for each lab rotation.

The Core Curriculum is the main lecture requirement. It consists of four courses and an advanced topic course. 

Laboratory Education is the foundation of the Ph.D. program. The lab rotations enable the student to focus on a research topic and mentor.

Coursework includes basic science, leading-edge lectures by prominent scientists, and journal clubs.

At the end of the first year, students are required to write three short proposals based on the Current Topics in Biology course. They then prepare and orally defend a research proposal based on an original topic unrelated to previous work conducted by the student. 

Requirements After The First Year

  • Take a course in responsible conduct of research (may be taken in first year).
  • Take an additional advanced topic course.
  • Join a journal club to review current literature.
  • Present a written thesis/dissertation for examination by four members of City of Hope staff and one qualified member from an outside institution.

 

Apply now to the Graduate School of Biological SciencesApply now to City of Hope's Graduate School of Biological Sciences.
Policies, Credits and Grading
Find information on semester credits for coursework and research, dissertation requirements, grade requirements, and other administrative policies and procedures here.
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 Beckman Research Institute

City of Hope's Beckman Research InstituteRecognized as one of the nation’s premier centers for innovative biomedical research, City of Hope’s Beckman Research Institute advances the fundamental understanding of molecular genetics, cellular biology and more.

 Graff Library

Graff LibraryStudents and professionals at City of Hope can access a plethora of medical databases, scientific journals, course materials, special collections, and other useful resources at our 12,000 square foot Lee Graff Library.

NCI CCC LogoCity of Hope, An NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening illness.
Best Of logoCity of Hope has been named one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Read more here...
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(NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer.
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