Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - BPK 431 D100

Integrative Cancer Biology (3)

Class Number: 3379

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231 (or MBB 201) and at least 90 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Core concepts in cancer biology ranging from the clinical and pathological basis of carcinogenesis to the molecular and cellular changes involved in cancer development. Emphasis will be on the complex interactions of lifestyle factors, genetics and social cultural determinants on cancer risk.

COURSE DETAILS:

What is cancer? Why does it occur? Where are we now in developing strategies for improving management of this disease?

In this course, we will cover core concepts in cancer biology ranging from the clinical and pathological basis of carcinogenesis to molecular and cellular changes involved in cancer development. These concepts are presented as they pertain to the different disciplines and specialties involved in cancer research, prevention and care, from clinical to lab science to population application. Students will learn to use and apply this knowledge for problem solving, to interpret new findings on cancer development/treatment and assess their credibility.

Course Structure

This course will be managed entirely online through Canvas. This means that any suggested reading and other course material will be posted on Canvas. Announcements will be made through the Canvas site. Homework assignments and papers should be submitted via the Canvas Assignments tab.

  • Weekly class: Our weekly class will contain both lecture and discussion. We will meet LIVE on Zoom each Thursday from 2:30 – 5:20 pm PST. These meetings will be recorded and uploaded to our Canvas page for anyone who is unable to connect during those times. Live discussions will be integrated into this weekly session. Students can expect small and larger room discussions.
  • Questions & Answers: There will be a discussion thread on Canvas for each week of the course. Any questions you have related to the course curriculum should be put into that discussion thread. There will also be a separate discussion thread related to technical difficulties. The Learning Team will reply to questions on the Canvas Discussion threads within 48 hours.
  • Assignments: Please see Canvas and announcements for assignment deadlines. 

 

LECTURE TOPICS (TENTATIVE)

Introduction – What is cancer?

Prevention of cancer through screening and early diagnosis

Clinical and histological classifications and staging of cancer

Cancer treatment and evaluation of outcome: the role of new technology

Cancer as a multi-stage phenomenon: Initiation, promotion and progression

Biomarkers of exposure to carcinogens

Genetic predisposition to cancer/DNA repair systems

Role of biological agents: Infection, inflammation and cancer

How cancer spreads – metastasis models

Epidemiological concepts – identifying the cause of cancer and predicting risk

Oncogenes – contribution to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer

Suppressor genes – association of inactivation with cancer development

Non-genetic contributors to cancer: epigenetic regulation and tumour microenvironment

New drug development and steps to marketing

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Describe core concepts that underpin our understanding of cancer, integrating such knowledge across disciplines
  2. Apply these core concepts to problem solve in real-life situations
  3. Identify gaps in knowledge within these perspectives
  4. Assess and critique new knowledge in cancer using diverse, reputable sources
  5. Communicate findings through imaginative “hands on” experience with approaches and tools
These learning objectives will be facilitated through student involvement in LIVE lectures, and individual and group activities online.

Grading

  • Tutorial activities 15%
  • *Quizzes/modular exams (3 @ 15% each) 45%
  • **“The Challenge” 40%

NOTES:

Details on the tutorial activities will be outlined as we go through the course and will be available on canvas.

*The quizzes/exams, will be given at the end of each of 3 course modules. There is no final exam.

**“The Challenge”:  This project was developed to provide an opportunity for each individual student to select and explore an evolving approach identified in the media that is aimed at cancer research and control. The project is game-like, rolled out throughout the course in a stepwise fashion, with grading for activities as achieved.  It has written and oral components, individual and group work. It is meant to be engaging, to expand knowledge on the evaluation process for new ideas and to encourage personal creativity.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Links to any reading will be provided during course lectures

RECOMMENDED READING:

RECOMMENDED BASIC READING FOR BACKGROUND

We recognize the difficulty in procuring textbooks during the pandemic, so will be providing suggested linkages to items that could help with comprehension during lectures.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

It is the responsibility of the student to keep their BPK course outlines if they plan on furthering their education.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).