Molecular Basis of Cancer
Courses
CMCA 500S Foundations in Bioscience 1 3.0 Credits
Biology ultimately depends upon the molecular processes that occur within cells. This course introduces you to the foundational concepts in molecular and cell biology and biochemistry. We begin with the key players: The biomolecules used to construct and operate cells. We next consider the Central Dogma, which reveals how the cell builds new molecules (and thereby allows it to copy itself). Finally, we cover the basics of cell biology, providing context in which students can understand the stage upon which these processes play out. These concepts provide a fundamental knowledge base that will support learning at the cutting edge of bioscience.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CMCA 501S Foundations in Bioscience 2 3.0 Credits
Biology ultimately depends upon the molecular processes that occur within cells. This course continues the introduction of foundational concepts in molecular and cell biology and biochemistry begun in CMCA 500S. We begin by exploring cell biology, the movement of cellular constituents and of entire cells, how cells age, as well as how they fuel and renew themselves. Next, we apply our fundamental knowledge to questions relating to inheritance and disease. Finally, we turn our attention to technology, to provide insights into the techniques used to generate the fundamental knowledge that we study.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CMCA 510S Introduction to Cancer Biology 2.0 Credits
This course provides a broad-based introduction to the field of cancer biology. The course focuses on mutations in enzymes that alter activity, modulation of transcription and translation in cancer cells, defects in DNA damage repair pathways, rewiring of signal transduction pathways, and alterations in cell cycle regulation. The majority of the course is discussion-based and focuses on analysis of primary literature, with an emphasis on training students in critical reading of primary scientific research reports. Topics will parallel those covered in the Foundations in Bioscience 1 course, but from a cancer biology-relevant perspective.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CMCA 520S Molecular Basis of Cancer 3.0 Credits
The goal of this course is to promote learning and intellectual development in the area of cancer biology. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the biology and pathology of cancer. This course will educate students on the principles of cancer biology, including the genetic and molecular changes normal cells undergo during transformation into malignant cancer cells. We explore the role of mutations in cancer cells, and how they lead to the dysregulation of essential biological properties like programmed cell death, growth and migration. We compare classical with newer treatment strategies such as targeted therapies and immune therapies. We also explore the challenges associated with preventing and diagnosing cancers.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CMCA 551S Control of the Cell Cycle and Cell Death 2.0 Credits
This course focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the Cell Cycle and Cell Death. Control of the cell cycle is essential for proper cell proliferation. Similarly, controlled cell death, or apoptosis, is important for removing cells that are sick or defective. Disfunction of these processes is fundamental to many mechanisms of cancer development and clinical treatment. The course is run as a discussion-based format that focuses on primary literature pertaining to breakthroughs or new methods related to Cell Cycle and Cell Death.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CMCA 552S Experimental Approaches in Cancer Research 2.0 Credits
To truly understand primary research reports, you must have some understanding of the methods used. In this course, you will learn about widely used bench-based research methods that are useful for researchers studying the molecular basis of cancer. These methods will be covered using a combination of lectures, study exercises, and first-person demonstrations of the methods in action. The research methods covered include bioinformatic, molecular, cellular, and animal models. To allow students to tailor the course to their specific interests and needs, the course is structured around a menu of modules in which different methods are presented.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CMCA T580S Special Topics in the Molecular Basis of Cancer 1.0-5.0 Credit
Course consists of content that faculty or students have requested to meet special needs or interests. Content is variable and offered on a one-time, infrequent, or trial basis. Actual course description will be determined by the instructor. May be repeated up to 4 times for credit if topics vary.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit