COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will provide an in-depth understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in cancer biology. A key component of this course is a detailed examination of the molecular and cellular signaling processes that lead to the initiation and progression of cancer. The course will also cover topics such as genetic and epigenetic changes, the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, the impact of the tumor microenvironment on cancer progression, and the mechanisms of metastasis. The course will discuss the latest research and techniques used to study cancer biology, including genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. While cancer therapeutics is not a major focus, students will be exposed to current immunotherapy and targeted therapeutics research. Through didactic lectures and team-based learning exercises, students will critically evaluate the latest research literature on cancer signaling and mechanisms. Upon completion of the course, students should be equipped with a solid foundation in the mechanisms and pathways involved in cancer signaling, and the skills and knowledge necessary to apply this understanding to critically evaluate and design experiments in cancer research.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  

The objectives of this course would typically include:

• Provide a detailed examination of signaling pathways involved in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis through didactic lectures.
• Understand the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressors in cancer development.
• Define how changes in DNA repair processes, stem cells and intermediate metabolism promote cancer initiation and progression.
• Explore the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor metastasis and its regulation by the tumor microenvironment.
• Critically evaluate and interpret the latest research literature in cancer signaling and mechanisms through team-based learning discussions and peer review exercises.

EXPECTED OUTCOME:

The expected outcome of this course would be a comprehensive understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in cancer biology, including how these pathways contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Students would gain knowledge about the interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and signaling factors that drive cancer development, as well as the latest advances in cancer research and therapeutic approaches. Upon completion of the course, students should be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to critically evaluate and design experiments aimed at unraveling the complexities of cancer signaling and mechanisms.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

• Computer
• Recommended readings (not required):
  • The Biology of Cancer 3rd Edition 2023 by Robert Weinberg. ISBN-13: 978-0393887655
  • The Biology of Cancer, Third Edition Ebook, Interactive Online Textbook
  • Cell Signaling: Principles and mechanisms 2014 by Lim, Mayer and Pawson. ISBN-13: 978-0815342441
  • The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biology of Cancer by Siddhartha Mukherjee (ISBN-13: 978-1439170915)
  • Molecular Cell Biology, Lodish et al. ISBN-13: 978-0716776017

PREREQUISITES: Undergraduate course in Molecular Biology at the level of Alberts “Molecular Biology of the Cell”.

Students should be familiar with college-level molecular biology, cell biology, and basic knowledge of gene structure and cancer.

SUITABLE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTS: Yes

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS: 10% participation in TBL exercises; 30% each of three exams.

Exams: There will be three exams to access students' understanding of key concepts and their ability to apply their knowledge to solve problems related to cancer biology.
Team-based learning exercises: These exercises, which are incorporated throughout the course, will assess students' ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team.

CREDIT HOURS: 3.0