The Biology of Cancer

Catalog description

BIOL B319 The Biology of Cancer (1 Unit) A seminar focused on the molecular and cellular biology of cancer, with an emphasis on fundamental research in cancer biology and efforts to translate those discoveries into therapeutics. Learning strategies include interactive lectures focused on core concepts in the field, problem solving, and critical discussion of the primary literature. The goal of the course is to enable each student to build an integrated, systems-level understanding of this fast-moving, interdisciplinary field. We will begin the semester with a broad introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of common types of cancer and the origins of modern cancer research. Subsequent topics include: cellular and viral oncogenes; growth factor signaling; tumor suppressors; genomic instability; cancer stem cells; tumor invasion and metastasis; cancer immunology; emerging immunotherapies and the concept of a "new human"; interactions between mRNA vaccines and anti-cancer immunity. Serves as capstone eligible course for Biology majors. Prerequisites: Biological Explorations I (BIOL B110) and any 200-level course in Biology or permission of instructor. Enrollment Cap 16. Serves as capstone eligible course for Biology majors. If the course exceeds the enrollment cap the following criteria will be used for the lottery: Senior BIOL/BCMB Majors (preference to students using this course for Senior Capstone requirement), then Junior BIOL/BCMB Majors, then random.