MS in Biomedical Sciences – Cancer Biology Track

The programme integrates applied biomedical coursework, research-oriented assignments, laboratory training and scientific presentations. Although it does not require an original research thesis, students gain experience in evaluating cancer research, preparing a detailed scientific report and defending their findings before a faculty committee.

• Laboratory Methods: Students complete BSC 6407C – Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology or BSC 5418 – Tissue Engineering, gaining exposure to laboratory-based biomedical concepts and techniques.

• Molecular Diagnostics: MCB 6226 – Molecular Diagnostics introduces diagnostic approaches used to investigate biological and disease-related processes.

• Cancer Research Literature: Through the capstone, students investigate a current topic in cancer biology and prepare an in-depth literature review in a mini-review manuscript format, generally around 10–15 single-spaced pages.

• Capstone Presentation and Defence: Present the completed report in a 30–40-minute seminar before a faculty committee, followed by questions and discussion. Assessment considers the written report, oral presentation and ability to explain the research topic.

• Research Mentorship: Select a faculty advisor to guide the capstone topic and chair the evaluation committee. Students are encouraged to identify a suitable mentor early in the programme.

• Optional Research Shadowing: Students may discuss opportunities to shadow graduate researchers in a faculty laboratory to gain additional exposure to research methods and laboratory practices.

• Teaching Experience: Students without significant previous teaching experience are required to serve as classroom laboratory teaching assistants for at least one semester.

​Specialised Research and Learning Areas:

• Cancer Biology and Gene Regulation: Explore cancer development, molecular mechanisms, gene expression and cellular changes associated with disease.

• Molecular Diagnostics and Biomedical Informatics: Study diagnostic methods and biomedical data-analysis concepts.

• Immunology and Pharmacology: Examine immune responses, molecular and cellular pharmacology, and therapeutic approaches.

• Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering: Explore cellular development, regenerative approaches and tissue-related biomedical applications.

• Cellular Metabolism and Molecular Virology: Investigate metabolic processes, viral mechanisms and their relevance to biomedical science. 

The MS in Biomedical Sciences – Cancer Biology Track prepares graduates for further academic training and professional opportunities in biomedical and health-related fields. Students develop a foundation in cancer biology, molecular diagnostics, laboratory methods and scientific literature evaluation, while the capstone experience strengthens their research interpretation, scientific writing and presentation skills.

Potential Career Opportunities:

• Biomedical Research Associate: Assist with biomedical investigations, laboratory studies and research documentation.

• Cancer Research Assistant: Support research projects examining cancer development, cellular mechanisms and treatment approaches.

• Molecular Diagnostics Associate: Assist with diagnostic testing and molecular analysis in biomedical laboratories.

Doctoral and Professional School Preparation: The programme is specifically designed for students considering doctoral training or professional education focused on medicine and cancer biology. Its advanced coursework and capstone experience help students strengthen their subject knowledge and prepare for further study.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Opportunities: The curriculum includes subjects such as molecular pharmacology, molecular immunology, cellular metabolism, molecular virology and stem cell biology. This academic foundation is relevant to research and technical roles in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biomedical organisations.

Research and Scientific Communication: The capstone report and oral defence provide experience in reviewing scientific publications, organising research information, presenting evidence and responding to academic questions. Students may also discuss optional research shadowing with their faculty mentor to gain additional laboratory exposure.

Teaching and Education Opportunities: Students without significant prior teaching experience complete at least one semester as classroom laboratory teaching assistants. This provides exposure to laboratory instruction and can support future interests in science education and academic teaching.

Financial Support: Non-thesis students in this track are not considered for departmental graduate assistantships or tuition assistance. University-wide fellowships and other forms of financial assistance may have separate eligibility requirements.

Employment Statistics and Salaries: UCF does not publish programme-specific graduate employment rates, placement percentages or salary figures for the Cancer Biology Track.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue doctoral programmes in Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology or related biomedical disciplines. They may also consider professional education in medicine and other health-related fields, depending on their academic preparation and admission requirements. UCF's programme specifically identifies doctoral training and professional education focused on medicine and cancer biology as potential progression routes.