MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CANCER
- Course
- MBGE421 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CANCER
- Department
- Basic Sciences and Humanities
- Course Type
- Course
- Status
- Required
- Language
- English
- Credit
- 3
- ECTS
- 7
- T+P+L
- 3 + 0 + 0
- Course Coordinator(s)
- -
- Prerequisite
- -
Course Description
The complexities of the causes and the different types of cells that give rise to this disease have underscored the need for a better understanding of the basic biology of cancer; therefore, this course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the biology and pathology of cancer. The course mainly focuses on the genetics and the molecular basis of cancer. The course explores the role of mutations in cancer cells, and how they lead to the dysregulation of essential biological properties like programmed cell death, cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, the influence of environmental factors in cancer susceptibility and comparisons of the classic treatment methods with newer treatment strategies like targeted therapies are elucidated.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF CANCER
Evaluation Tools (Active Term)
No evaluation items have been defined.
Course outcomes
No course outcomes have been defined yet.
Course Syllabus
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Definition of cancer. Molecular basis of cancer: Cell cycle regulation and its disruption |
| Week 2 | Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes |
| Week 3 | DNA damage, repair mechanisms, and genetic instability in cancer |
| Week 4 | Apoptosis and cell death mechanisms |
| Week 5 | Cancer stem cells and cellular differentiation in cancer |
| Week 6 | Signaling pathways in cancer and targeted therapies |
| Week 7 | Midterm exam week |
| Week 8 | Epigenetic regulation in cancer |
| Week 9 | Mechanisms of angiogenesis and metastasis |
| Week 10 | Cancer immunology: Interaction between cancer and the immune system |
| Week 11 | New approaches in cancer therapy: Immunotherapies and gene therapy |
| Week 12 | Cancer biomarkers and personalized medicine |
| Week 13 | Experimental models in cancer research |
| Week 14 | Review |
| Week 15 | Final Exams |
Reference Books & Course Materials
- 01 Molecular Biology of Cancer Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutics, Fifth Edition, 2021, Lauren Pecorino
- 02 Molecular Biology of Cancer, 2nd Edition, 2004, Fiona Macdonald, Christopher Ford, Alan Casson
Learning Outcomes
- L01 Discuss molecular mechanisms of cancer biology SOLO 0
- L02 Describe the influence of environmental factors on cancer SOLO 0
- L03 Distinguish between the classic treatment and newer treatment strategies SOLO 0
Program Outcomes
- P01 PO1: To identify and use theoretical and applied knowledge as well as up-to-date/cutting edge laboratory techniques and analyses methods in the field of molecular biology and genetics.
- P02 PO2: To identify problems related to molecular biology and genetics.
- P03 PO3: To design and conduct experiments through hypothesis driven scientific research; and to analyze and interpret data to find solutions to molecular biology and genetics related problems.
- P04 PO4: To work independently and as part of research group in a multidisciplinary team setting
- P05 PO5: To apply the principles of scientific research ethics and academic integrity
- P06 PO6: To interpret, explain and present primary scientific literature and novel findings in oral, written and visual presentation formats
- P07 PO7: To evaluate experimental data and theoretical findings by using critical and analytical thinking techniques.
- P08 PO8: To use the currently acceptable process of preparing research proposals and manuscripts for publishing in scientific journals.
- P09 PO9: To apply the principles of molecular biology and genetics in generating/finding solutions to social problems / issues.
- P10 PO10: To identify and implement environmental and laboratory safety procedures.
- P11 PO11: To identify and apply the necessary professional skill set in projects and jobs involving independent and competitive careers in academia, industrial, medical or clinical research, science education, scientific writing and communication, health care, health care policy and civil service.
Po-Lo Matrix
| LO | P01 | P02 | P03 | P04 | P05 | P06 | P07 | P08 | P09 | P10 | P11 | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L01 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1.09 |
| L02 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1.82 |
| L03 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2.18 |