How a cell becomes tumorigenic is complex and remains enigmatic. To understand the development and oncogenic nature of cancerous cells requires knowledge and techniques from many disciplines. The MCB program encompasses basic research to discover the fundamentals of how cancer cells develop and grow, and translational research to develop new therapeutics.
Area Directors
Area Directors help advise students about classes and rotations in their interest area. They also provide a listing of suggested courses for those interested in Cancer Biology.
Faculty Area Directors
- Myron Evans, Seattle Children’s Research Institute (Myron.EvansII@seattlechildrens.org)
- Kikkeri Naresh, Fred Hutch, Clinical Research Division (knaresh@fredhutch.org)
Student Area Directors
- Kelly Heard, MacPherson Lab (kjheard@uw.edu)
- Mark Mendoza, Furlan Lab (mamendoz@fredhutch.org)
Suggested Curriculum
The suggested curriculum outlined below is meant to guide you in choosing classes, they are not requirements. We highly encourage you to take the Foundational courses, while the Electives are more specialized and often cross between Areas of Interest. Remember to review the UW Time Schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding whether a course is currently being offered.
2025-2026 Suggested Curriculum (document download)
MCB 539 – Biological Basis of Neoplasia
Introduces the major themes in research in the biology of neoplastic change. Covers principle molecular mechanisms responsible for tumor initiation and progression, with a specific emphasis on intracellular signaling, DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints, and loss of normal tissue homeostasis. The latest state of the art research in Cancer Biology will be presented by invited scientists, experts in their relevant field. The discussion meetings will concentrate on selected major papers in cancer biology and be presented and discussed by the students with help and guidance of the instructors.
Instructions: Contact graduateeducation@fredhutch.org for add code.
Offered SPR, 3.0 credits, weeks 1-10. Will be offered in SPR 2026.
PATH 518 – Emerging Topics in Cancer
Science and translational advances in cancer and therapeutics, related to recent major technological progress in cancer research. Explores how knowledge of cancer genetics as well as new molecular discoveries are translated to clinical management and treatment options.
Offered WIN, 2.0 credits, weeks 1-10, odd years. Will be offered in WIN 2027.
Subtrack 1 – Cellular Mechanisms of Transformation
Elective Course 1A: CONJ 544 – Protein Structure, Modification and Regulation
Overview of general principles of protein structure, including forces that contribute to folding and stabilization, followed by an extended coverage of the means by which protein structure and function are modified and regulated. Examples from recent developments in protein folding, processing, and allosteric regulation.
Prerequisite: Introductory biochemistry and cell biology.
Instructions: Contact graduateeducation@fredhutch.org for add code.
Offered WIN, 1.5 credits, weeks 1-5, every year. Will be offered in WIN 2026.
Elective Course 1B: GENOME 565 – Advanced Human Genetics
The goal of the course is to provide students with knowledge and tools most useful for successful research in human genomics. Components of the course are: gene discovery and molecular function; genomic architecture; cancer genetics; and human diversity and evolution. The course meets winter quarter, with three lectures per week by the instructors and weekly section meetings. Multiple problem sets are based on real data.
Prerequisite: College-level genetics course (GENOME 361 or 371); for genetics courses taken elsewhere, please ask the instructors. The class typically includes about 60 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students.
Capacity Limit: 20
Offered WIN, 4.0 credits, weeks 1-10. Will be offered in WIN 2027.
Elective Course 1C: MCB 522 – The Developmental Basis of Human Disease
Uses recent discoveries in human genetics to guide student learning about animal development. Explores the normal developmental function of genes that have been identified as causal in human developmental disorders such as skeletal dysmorphologies, ciliopathies, autism, and cancer.
Instructions: Contact graduateeducation@fredhutch.org for add code.
Offered WIN, 3.0 credits, weeks 1-10, even years. Will be offered in WIN 2026.
Subtrack 2 – Computational Biology Techniques
Elective Course 2A: GENOME 552 – Technologies for Genome Analysis
Discussion of current and newly-emerging technologies in genome analysis with regard to applications in biology and medicine and to potential advantages and limitations.
Prerequisite: Contact course instructor and state your interest.
Capacity Limit: 18 – required for the GS first-year students. Remaining slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Offered AUT, 1.5 credits, weeks 6-10. Will be offered in AUT 2025.
Elective Course 2B: GENOME 555 – Protein Technology
Focuses on current and emerging technologies and approaches in protein analysis, and considers applications of these technologies in biology, biotechnology, and medicine.
Offered AUT, 1.5 credits, weeks 1-5. Will be offered in AUT 2025.
Elective Course 2C: GENOME 560 – Introduction to Statistical Genomics
An introduction to fundamental concepts necessary for the analysis of genetic and genomic data including, basic elements of probability theory, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing.
Offered SPR, 3.0 credits, weeks 1-10, every year. Will be offered in SPR 2026.
Elective Course 2D: MCB 536 – Tools for Computational Biology
Introduction to established best practices in computational biology. Learn to organize unstructured data into standard formats, transform data for statistical analyses, and visualize the transformed data. Learn workflows for reproducible research such as version control, project organization, and code documentation. Gain basic experience with Linux command line tools and the Python and R programming languages. Classes will involve hands-on learning through coding exercises, collaborative problem solving, and extensive use of online learning resources.
Instructions: Contact graduateeducation@fredhutch.org for add code.
Offered AUT, 3.0 credits, weeks 1-10, every year. Will be offered in AUT 2026.
Elective Course 2E: PATH 558 – Integrative Omics
Explores how to integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches with state-of-the-art genetic engineering strategies to uncover a systems-level understanding of pathway interactions that regulate disease pathogenesis and complex phenotypes.
Offered SPR, 1.5 credits. Not currently offered.
Subtrack 3 – Cancer Immunology
Elective Course 3A: IMMUN 532 – Intersection of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Disease
Examines the molecular and cellular basis of immune function. Topics include: hematopoiesis, innate immunity, antigen receptor structure, lymphocyte development, antigen presentation, effector T-cell functions, and immune-mediated diseases.
Prerequisite: coursework in molecular genetics; intro to Immunology course; graduate standing in immunology; other graduate students with permission of instructor.
Offered WIN, 4.0 credits, weeks 1-10. Will be offered WIN 2026.
Elective Course 3B: IMMUN 537 – Immunological Methods
Introduces whole animal, cellular, biochemical, and molecular techniques used in immunological research. Discusses strengths and limitations of each technique and emphasizes caveats in interpreting the resulting data.
Offered AUT, 1.5 credits, weeks 6-10. Will be offered in AUT 2025.
Spotlight
Forefront of cancer research
Fred Hutch is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Pacific Northwest that combines the strengths of Fred Hutch, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Seattle MCB faculty push the boundaries of discovery from the fundamentals of cancer cell development and tumorigenesis to translational research into cures.