Course Syllabus



Tumor Biology and Oncology      DIS Logo

Semester & Location:

Spring 2018 - DIS Stockholm

Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits

Major Disciplines:

Biology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science

Prerequisites

One year of biology at university level

Faculty Member:

Allegra Lord

Program Director:

Lisbeth Borbye 

Time & Place:

Mondays & Thursdays, 13:15-14:35, 1D-509

 

Faculty

IMG_5617 (1).jpg

Allegra Lord 

Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, with a certificate in translational medicine, from the Division of Medical Sciences at Harvard University (Boston MA, 2015). Postdoctoral fellow in the departments of Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, since 2015). Research focus on blood stem cells and the development of childhood leukemia. 

 

Course Description

This course will provide students with insight into the molecular and cellular events involved in tumor formation, progression, and metastasis. Students will learn about the clinical aspects of different types of cancer, diagnostic procedures and the specific therapies (surgery and various oncological treatments). Examples of molecular genetic and other biological events related to cancer etiology, symptoms and targets for cancer therapy will be given in addition to other clinical aspects. Related topics will be presented, such as cancer research methodology and its strengths and limitations, psychosocial perspectives of cancer diagnosis and palliative oncology and supportive care. Emphasis is on the correlation between the molecular basis of cancer and its clinical implications.

 

Expected Learning Outcomes

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

  • Explain the biological basis for the occurrence and appearance of tumor cells
  • Describe the biochemical pathways involved in cancer formation
  • Describe different types of cancers
  • Explain treatment mode of action and the rationale for different treatment choices
  • Examine the basic concepts of clinical research in oncology
  • Critically analyze findings in cancer research
  • Analyze and discuss the psychological and social impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis
  • Outline the basis for palliative oncology and integrative medicine
  • Discuss the ethics and decision-making in cancer disease management

 

Required Readings 

  • Reading compendium which will include:
    • Selected chapters from PDQ Cancer Information Summaries (2002- ) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US). Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK82221/
    • Douglas Hanahan and Robert A. Weinberg (2000) The Hallmarks of Cancer, Cell 100(1): 57-70
    • Douglas Hanahan and Robert A. Weinberg (2011) Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation, Cell 144(5):646-674
    • Peer reviewed scientific articles related to the topics
  • Extra material on CANVAS

 

Approach to Teaching

Different teaching formats will be used, such as interactive lectures, class discussions, group seminars, field studies and a final project. Many real patient examples will be used to illustrate the topics. Students are expected to engage actively in class in oral presentations, discussions, group work and exercises. After each lecture, a pdf of the presentation will be posted on Canvas.

 

Final Project (students will receive detailed information separately)

The Final project will give students the chance to integrate their new knowledge to, in theory, develop your own innovative cancer therapy, primary preventive method or diagnostic/screening tool. With an overall vision of “What more can be done to fight cancer?” you are free to formulate your own vision. But of course based on facts and designing something you really believe could work.

 

Evaluation and Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.

Late assignments will be accepted, but the grade for the paper will be reduced by half a letter/day.

The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

 

Component

Weight

Participation

10%

Test 1

15%

Test 2

20%

Test 3

25%

Oral presentations of patient studies

10%

Final project

20%

 

Expectations of Students & Code of Conduct

  • Laptops may be used for note‐taking, fact‐checking, or assignment in the classroom, but only when indicated by the instructor. At all other times laptops and electronic devices should be put away during class time.
  • Readings must completed prior to the class session; a substantial part of the class is dependent on discussions of the assigned readings.
  • Students need to be present and proactive to receive full credit. The final grade will be affected by unexcused absences and lack of participation. Remember to be in class on time!
  • Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of others and their opinions, listening patiently to others and entering a dialogue in a constructive manner.
  • Students are expected to ask relevant questions in regards to the academic content .

 

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

 

 

DIS Contacts

Mark Peters, Academic Coordinator, mpe@disstockholm.se 
Susana Dietrich, Science & Health Assistant Program Director, sd@dis.dk
Lisbeth Borbye, Science & Health Program Director, lbo@dis.dk

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due