This course is intended for Life Science majors or those with a strong background in the Biological Sciences. It is recommended that students have a background in human physiology and/or anatomy and physiology.
This course may be used to fulfill the elective requirements of the Biological Sciences major.
Prerequisites
General Biology 01:119:115-116. Credit not given for both this course and Cancer 01:447:495
Course Description
Introduction to Cancer provides an overview of biomedical aspects of malignancy as deviations from the normal biological processes. It builds upon some topics covered in pre-requisite courses, including molecules, cells, tissues, and organisms; and expands upon concepts such as homeostasis and regulation. The course reviews how specific alterations in normal genetic, cellular, and physiological processes are altered in cancer, and how the human systems respond to cancer cells and tumors. The clinical application of these facts and concepts for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and personalized therapy are discussed. Some specific cancer types are selected as examples, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, leukemia, and others. Current unmet medical challenges and possible future solutions are included.
Subjects that will be addressed during the course include:
- Biology and genetics of cells and organisms
- The nature of cancer
- Cellular and viral oncogenes
- Oncoproteins: receptors, signal transduction, cell cycle control
- Tumor suppressor genes
- Tumor progression and tumor evolution
- Tumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment
- Invasion and metastasis
- Cancer Treatment
Course Satisfies Learning Goals
This course is designed to provide the student with a general knowledge of the biology of cancer and oncogenesis, with particular emphasis on the clinical oncology process by applying it to the specific clinical case studies. By the end of the course, the student will have a comprehensive knowledge of cancer as it applies to the human body and its function.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
There will be three equally weighted midterm examinations and a final exam. There will be participation grade that includes diverse factors for scoring purpose.
Course Materials
- A notebook and pen/pencil to complete in class participation activities!!
- The Biology of Cancer (3rd edition), Robert Weinberg; ISBN: 978-0-393-69021-7 (paperback); hardcover and loose-leaf versions are also acceptable.
- The Biology of Cancer (2nd edition), Robert Weinberg; ISBN: 978-0-8153-4219-9 (hardcover); paperback and loose-leaf versions are also acceptable (this edition is similar and will still help with understanding the material)
- A copy of the textbook is also available through university libraries and on reserve at the Library of Science and Medicine on Busch Campus; at front desk under “Cominski”
Course Closed?
If this course is closed, please use the following link to add your name to the course wait list: Wait List Sign Up . If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Life Sciences-Office of Undergraduate Instruction at 848-445-2075 or visit our office at Nelson Labs B112, Busch Campus.
Faculty:
Dr. Tara Cominski
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
