Course Syllabus

SYLLABUS

Complexity of Cancer

Semester & Location:	Spring 2026 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Elective course - 3 credits
Faculty:	Katrine Sofie Ege Bøttcher Ida Christine Jacobsen - Contact via Canvas Inbox
Time:	Mondays, Thursdays at 16:25-17:45
Classroom:	N7-B12
Major Disciplines:	Biology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science
Related Disciplines:
Prerequisites:	One year each of biology and chemistry at university level.
Program Contact:	Science & Health Department: shsupport@dis.dk

Faculty

	Ida Christine Jacobsen   M.D. (University of Copenhagen, January 2022). PhD fellow at Copenhagen University Hospital. Prior medical experience in Neurology, Internal medicine, General practice, Oncology, and Genetics. Former CA on the Human Health and Disease Programme. With DIS since January 2019. For urgent matters: idja@dis.dk
	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: Complexity of Cancer from Biology to Bedside 

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

• Express knowledge about tumor biology, therapy and selected 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

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled class sessions and field studies.

 Regardless of the reason of the absence,

Each absence from a class session or field study will automatically result in a deduction of 10 points from your attendance grade (out of 100 total points). 

• Exceptions to this point deduction policy can only be made if supported by prior approval from DIS Academic Support (e.g., for religious, serious personal or family matters). 

Participation

Class participation covers the following areas:

• 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