Cancer Biology (CB) Program students are required to take an on-topic candidacy exam in which the research proposal is based on the student's intended dissertation project. The CB on-topic format follows the GSBS on-topic format except for the following features:
- Examining Committee composition:
- Two members should be selected from the faculty who are part of the Cancer Biology Program
- Two members should be selected from the faculty who are part of the Cancer Biology Program
- Breadth of knowledge:
- At least 6 weeks prior to the exam, the student will contact the Exam Committee Chair to discuss and agree on 3 "areas of breadth" that are distinct from their dissertation research
- At least 4 weeks before the exam, the committee will provide the student with a question on each of these 3 areas
- The student will select 1 question and write a 3-page answer that is provided to the committee along with the on-topic proposal 2 weeks prior to the exam date
- During the last third of the oral exam, the committee will query the student regarding his/her knowledge of the breadth areas