Faculty: Graduate School of Health Science This interdisciplinary major focuses on the biological principles of cancer and the pharmacological approaches to its treatment. Students explore key areas such as cancer cell biology, molecular oncology, cancer genomics, pharmacology, drug development, and clinical trials. The program emphasizes laboratory techniques, research methodologies, and the understanding of clinical applications. Graduates are prepared for careers in cancer research, drug development, clinical trials, and related fields. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of cancer biology and pharmacology. - Develop skills in molecular oncology, cancer genomics, and drug development. - Learn techniques for studying cancer mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. - Explore the principles of pharmacology and drug development in oncology. - Understand the role of clinical trials and translational research in cancer treatment. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in cancer research and treatment. - Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for research projects and initiatives. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Cancer Biology and Pharmacology** - Overview of cancer biology, molecular oncology, and pharmacological treatments. - Fundamentals of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. 2. **Cancer Cell Biology** - Principles of cancer cell biology, including cellular and molecular changes in cancer cells. - Techniques for studying cancer cell biology and tumor microenvironment. 3. **Molecular Oncology** - Fundamentals of molecular oncology, including genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer. - Techniques for genetic analysis, sequencing, and bioinformatics. 4. **Cancer Genomics** - Principles of cancer genomics and its applications in personalized medicine. - Techniques for genomic analysis and data interpretation. 5. **Cancer Pharmacology** - Fundamentals of cancer pharmacology, including drug targets, mechanisms of action, and resistance. - Techniques for developing and testing anticancer drugs. 6. **Drug Development in Oncology** - Principles of drug development, including target identification, lead optimization, and preclinical testing. - Techniques for using computational methods and molecular modeling in drug discovery. 7. **Clinical Trials and Translational Research** - Principles of clinical trials and translational research in oncology. - Techniques for designing, conducting, and analyzing clinical trials. 8. **Research Methods in Cancer Biology and Pharmacology** - Principles of research methods, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis. - Techniques for conducting and evaluating cancer research. 9. **Practicum in Cancer Biology and Pharmacology** - Real-world laboratory and research experiences, including observations, internships, and hands-on projects. - Techniques for applying learned skills in practical research settings. 10. **Capstone Project in Cancer Biology and Pharmacology** - Comprehensive project to apply learned skills in cancer research, drug development, or clinical trials. - Techniques for delivering a polished and innovative research project. **Assessment Methods:** - Cancer biology projects, molecular oncology analyses, cancer genomics research papers, pharmacology reports, drug development proposals, clinical trial designs, research methodology papers, practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internships. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "The Biology of Cancer" by Robert A. Weinberg. - "Molecular Biology of Cancer: Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutics" by George Klein. - "Cancer Genomics: From Bench to Bedside" by William Pao and Harold Varmus. - "Cancer Pharmacology" by Beverly A. Teicher. - "Drug Discovery and Development: Principles and Applications" by Jie Jack Li and Erickson. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and molecular biology. Suitable for students interested in cancer research, drug development, and clinical trials. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practicum, and internships. Advanced degrees may take additional years. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Cancer Biology and Pharmacology and pursue further specialization or professional certifications in cancer research, drug development, or clinical trials. **Target Audience:** Aspiring cancer researchers, drug developers, clinical trial specialists, and professionals seeking to specialize in cancer biology and pharmacology. This major equips students with the biological, pharmacological, and practical skills needed to excel in cancer biology and pharmacology, supporting advancements in cancer research, drug development, and treatment.