COURSE DESCRIPTION:he course is designed to bring together current approaches in cancer research including cell biology, molecular genetics, and therapy. The course will involve both lectures and paper discussions. Topics will include the pathology of cancer, pathways in the development of cancers, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, stem cells in cancer, the metastatic cascade, immune responses to cancer, and treatment modalities. Emphasis will be on classic and emerging approaches in basic cancer research.

Course Objectives: To establish a firm foundation in the hallmarks of cancer and enable students to gauge difficulties and opportunities for advances in cancer research.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Assigned readings from The Biology of Cancer (Robert A. Weinberg), Principles & Practice of Oncology - Primer of the Molecular Biology of Cancer (DeVita et al.) and other texts as needed.

PREREQUISITES: None. Undergraduate training in cell biology, biochemistry and genetics is useful.

SUITABLE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTS: Yes

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS:25% Midterm exam, 25% Final exam, 20% Paper presentation, 20% Homeworks (10% each), 10% Class participation. Passing is a total of 65% or higher. Graded items are returned during the class and feedback is provided during the course regarding grades.

CREDIT HOURS: 3.0