Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - MBB 465 D100

Cancer Genomics (3)

Class Number: 1444

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 331 and MBB 342 with a minimum grade of C or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Our understanding of the role of genetic and epigenetic changes in the formation of human cancers continues to be advanced by genomic technologies. Current techniques for studying cancer genomes and how heritable changes can lead to treatment resistance will be discussed. Students with credit for MBB 460 under the title "Cancer Genomics" may not take this course for further credit.

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. Students with credit for MBB 460 under the title "Cancer Genomics" may not take this course for further credit.

Topics include:

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

Grading

  • Quizzes 60%
  • In-class presentation 20%
  • Participation 10%
  • Written assignment(s) 10%

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.