PhD in Cancer Biology stands for "Doctor of Philosophy in Cancer Biology" and is a three-year doctoral program that deals with the study of microorganisms and their environments. Posts with a PhD in Cancer Biology after completing the program include Senior Research Scientist, Research Biologist, Environmental Staff Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Senior Microbiologist, Product Manager, and Natural Sciences Manager.
A PhD in Cancer Biology is a graduate-level research degree that focuses on the study of cancer cells, their behavior, and the mechanisms that lead to cancer growth and metastasis. Cancer biology is a highly interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology to understand the complexity of cancer and develop new treatments.
The PhD program typically takes 4-5 years to complete, and students are expected to conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The research may involve laboratory experiments, data analysis, and computer simulations to investigate the molecular and cellular basis of cancer.
Students may also take courses in cancer biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, cancer therapeutics, and related fields. The program may include seminars, journal clubs, and presentations, providing students with opportunities to interact with researchers and stay current with the latest discoveries in the field.
Upon completion of the PhD program, graduates can pursue careers in academia, industry, or government. They may work as postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, medical science liaisons, or regulatory affairs specialists, among other positions.
Some of the highlights of a PhD in Cancer Biology program include:
Cutting-edge research: PhD in Cancer Biology programs provide students with opportunities to conduct original research in a rapidly advancing field. Students work closely with faculty members who are experts in the field and often collaborate with other researchers and institutions.
Interdisciplinary approach: Cancer biology is a highly interdisciplinary field that draws on knowledge from multiple disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology. PhD programs in Cancer Biology provide students with the opportunity to integrate knowledge from these diverse fields to advance our understanding of cancer.
Rigorous training: PhD programs in Cancer Biology are designed to provide students with rigorous training in research methods, critical thinking, and data analysis. Students learn to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results, preparing them for a career in research or other fields.
Opportunities for collaboration: Cancer research is a collaborative field, and PhD programs provide students with opportunities to work with researchers from diverse backgrounds. Students often collaborate with researchers from other institutions and countries, allowing them to expand their research skills and knowledge.
Career opportunities: A PhD in Cancer Biology can lead to a variety of career paths, including academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates can work as postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, medical science liaisons, or regulatory affairs specialists, among other positions.
Course Level | Doctoral program |
Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Cancer Biology |
Course Duration | 3 years (minimum) |
Course Structure | Semester/Year wise |
Eligibility Criteria | Candidates should have a master’s degree in Biology or a relevant field from a recognized institute with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. |
Admission Process | Entrance Exams |
Job Positions | Sr. Research Associate, Research Biologist, Environmental Staff Scientist, Clinical Lab Scientist, Sr. Microbiologist, Product Manager, Natural Science Manager |
Most universities or institutions require candidates to clear a national-level entrance exam like GATE, CSIR-UGC NET, or JGEEBILS. However, some institutes may conduct their entrance exam. The entrance exam may consist of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cancer biology, genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
The eligibility criteria for admission to a PhD in Cancer Biology program can vary slightly depending on the institution. However, some common requirements include:
The duration of a PhD in Cancer Biology program can range from 3 to 5 years depending on the institution and the research project undertaken by the candidate.
The selection criteria for admission to a PhD in Cancer Biology program can vary depending on the institution. However, some common selection criteria include:
The application process for a PhD in Cancer Biology program can vary depending on the institution. Generally, the following steps are involved:
The application form and process for a PhD in Cancer Biology program can vary depending on the institution. Generally, candidates can apply online through the institution's website or by downloading the application form and submitting it physically or via email. The application process typically involves filling out the form, providing academic and personal details, and uploading scanned copies of required documents such as transcripts, entrance exam scores, SOP, and LOR. Candidates may also have to pay an application fee.
Online Registration: The registration portal will be open only on specific dates and will be announced by the Institute. The application form and all documents must be uploaded via the portal.
Fill the application form: Fill the application form with all the basic details like email ID, phone number, previous educational and work history, and entrance exam scores. Accuracy is required when filling out forms.
Upload Documents: Upload mark sheets and all other required documents to the portal. Documents must have a specific format and size specified by the portal.
Application Fee: Pay a minimum application fee to process your application. Payments can be made using all common online payment methods.
Examination: If a candidate meets the eligibility criteria, he/she can appear for the entrance examination. Download the admit card, prepare and participate in the exam. Results will be announced within the next few weeks.
Personal Interview: Once candidates pass the entrance exam, they will be invited for a personal interview. You must bring your research proposal to the interview.
Admission: The interview round will be published and list of eligible candidates will be notified. You can then enroll in the university by paying a small admission fee.
The application fee for a PhD in Cancer Biology program can vary depending on the institution. Generally, the fee can range from a few hundred to a few thousand rupees. Some institutions may also offer a waiver or concession in the application fee for candidates belonging to specific categories such as SC/ST/OBC or economically weaker sections.
The syllabus for a PhD in Cancer Biology program can vary depending on the institution. However, some common topics covered in the program include cancer biology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and immunology. The syllabus may also include specialized topics such as cancer genomics, epigenetics, cancer stem cells, cancer therapeutics, and drug discovery.
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Semester II
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Semester III
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Semester IV
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Semester V
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Semester VI
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PhD in Cancer Biology graduates can work in various fields such as academia, industry, research institutes, and hospitals. Some common job roles for PhD in Cancer Biology graduates include:
PhD in Cancer Biology graduates can pursue various career opportunities in academia, industry, research institutes, and hospitals. Some common career paths for PhD in Cancer Biology graduates include:
Here are some top institutions in India that offer a PhD in Cancer Biology program:
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other reputed institutions in India that offer a PhD in Cancer Biology program.
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.