Fall 2019 - MBB 829 G100

Special Topics in Biochemistry (3)

Cancer Genomics

Class Number: 1989

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 6, 2019
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Consideration of recent literature concerning selected contemporary research topics. Can be taken more than once with permission of the instructor.

COURSE DETAILS:

An examination of the genomic changes that accrue during the formation and treatment of human cancer.

The course will examine the role that genetic mutations play in the development of human cancer and tumour formation. We will study the spectrum of different types of genetic alterations that accrue and their distribution across different cancer types.   We will study the technologies that allow these changes to be detected and how they are interpreted clinically. The course will explore how different mutations can be correlated with specific therapeutics and how further genetic mutations can lead to treatment resistance.

Topics include:

  • Cancer sequencing
  • Tumour heterogeneity
  • DNA repair
  • Hereditary cancer
  • Treatment resistance
  • Neo-antigens and immunotherapy  
  • CART-therapies
  • Cancer epigenomics
  • Personalized oncogenomics
  • Mutational signatures

Grading

  • In-class presentation 30%
  • Writing assignment 50%
  • Class participation 20%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

The Biology of Cancer, 2nd Ed, Robert A. Weinberg, 2014, Garland Publishing (for background reading).
ISBN: 978-0-8153-4220-5

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS