Course Syllabus

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Complexity of Cancer

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Semester & Location:

Fall 2025 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:

Biology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science
Prerequisites:

One year of biology and one year of chemistry at university level
Faculty Members:

Ida Christine Jacobsen

Katrine Bøttcher

Current students please use the canvas inbox to contact
Program contact:

Science and Health Department

shsupport@dis.dk
Program Director:

Susana Dietrich 
Time & Place:

Mondays & Thursdays, 16:25-17:45 in N7-B12 

 

Faculty

Ida Christine Jacobsen_DIS.jpg

Ida Christine Jacobsen  

M.D. (University of Copenhagen, January 2022).
Currently first year resident in Clinical Genetics at Copenhagen University Hospital. Prior medical experience in Neurology, Internal medicine, General practice, and Oncology. Former CA on the Medical Practice and Policy programme of Human Health and Disease. With DIS since January 2019.  For urgent matters use email: idja@dis.dk 
Katrine Sofie Ege Bøttcher.jpg

Katrine Bøttcher

M.D. (University of Copenhagen, January 2021).
Currently first year resident in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Herlev Hospital. Previous experience in Oncology, Clinical Sexology, Cardiology, Internal Medicine and General Practice. Previous research in Psychiatry. Certified Counsellor in Clinical Sexology. Born and raised in Denmark. With DIS since 2024.


Course Description: From Biology to Bedside 

This clinically oriented course offers a comprehensive introduction to oncology, with focus on the real-world experiences of cancer patients and the clinical decision-making involved in their care.
Designed for students with an interest in medicine, healthcare, or clinical research, the course explores a broad spectrum of oncology – from fundamental tumor biology to modern cancer therapies and patient communication. Core themes include tumor biology, cancer classification, diagnostics and screening, therapeutic strategies, as well as ethical and communicative aspects of cancer care. While we cover some of the key cancer types, the overall aim is to present a holistic and practical understanding of cancer as a clinical field.
The course is taught by physicians and includes case-based discussions, student presentations, and critical reviews of recent clinical studies through journal clubs.
Whether you're considering a career in medicine or healthcare in general, this course will give you an authentic insight into the challenges and responsibilities of working with cancer patients.


Expected Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to

Express knowledge about tumor biology, therapy and the most common solid tumors.
Explain the basic concepts of clinical research in oncology.
Appreciate that cancer is both a clinical and an experimental science in constant development.
Appreciate the importance and validity of the ‘established’ therapies.
Increase awareness of the impact of a cancer diagnosis for the individual patient.

  

Optional Readings

  • Textbook: 
    • Cancer and its Management. 6th (2010) or 7th (2014) edition. D.Hochhauser & J.Tobais. e-book
  • Reading on Canvas:
    • Rubin, E, et al. Neoplasia (Chapter 5 pp.165 –207) in: Rubins Pathology. Emanuel Rubin 4ed. 2005

Please make sure to read all the material assigned (see each class in the calendar). The reading/video material has been carefully chosen and all of it is pertinent to your success in Complexity of Cancer. You have an obligation to your fellow classmates and yourself to come prepared to class. If you have questions or need clarification about readings or lecture material do not hesitate to speak up. 


Field Studies

Throughout the semester, you will have two field studies. Both are meant to provide you with new perspectives on topics being learned in class. These take place on Wednesdays so as not to interfere with your other classes.

 

Expectations of the Students
Classroom Etiquette

Access to the Internet can be a valuable aid in the classroom learning environment. Students are welcome to use laptops, smart phones, and other devices in order to explore concepts related to course discussions and topics only. Students are discouraged from using technology in ways that distract from the learning community (e.g. Facebook, texting, work for other classes, etc.). Doing so will influence your ability to perform optimal in class and hence influence your participation grade.

 

Evaluation

Participation

Class participation covers the following areas:

- Attendance, active participation and level of preparation
- Contribution to class discussions and field studies

Class participation is an important part of this course and to receive full credit students should be present at all the scheduled classes and actively participate.

Journal Club presentations

During the course, the students are asked to present one scientific paper as a group presentation as part of a journal club. All students are expected to have read the papers and to be prepared for classroom discussions.  The groups will present their work to the class, as a part of the day´s lecture. 

Tests 

At least two written assignments consisting of short essay and multiple choice questions will test the students progress throughout the course.

Final Assignment 

At the end of the semester, the students will work on a patient case to present orally. The case will include multiple topics covered during the semester.  


Grading

Test (quantity:2) (25% each)                   50%

Final Assignment                                     20%

Journal Club Presentations                    10%

Participation                                            20% 

 

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 



DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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