Spring 2026 - MBB 446 D100
The Molecular Biology of Cancer (3)
Class Number: 5128
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Sharon Gorski
sga49@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
MBB 322 and 331, with a minimum grade of C, or permission of the instructor.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tumor formation, the hallmarks of cancer and their relationship to therapeutic strategies.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course introduces the molecular biology of cancer, and how our understanding of cancer initiation and progression has evolved at the molecular and cellular levels. We will study the hallmarks of cancer, tumor progression, signal transduction pathways, cell death modalities, and cell survival processes, and how these have informed the design of cancer treatment strategies.
Topics will include the following:
- Hallmarks of Cancer
- Infectious agents and cancer
- Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors
- Cancer progression and metastasis
- Cancer stem cells and clonality
- Cell death signaling pathways
- Autophagy: dual roles in cancer
- Biomarkers
- Anti-cancer therapeutics
- Synthetic lethality
In addition, we will explore recent selected special topics related to emerging concepts and recent therapeutic strategies.
These may include:
- Epigenetic alterations
- Personalized Oncogenomics
- Cancer Immunotherapy
- Tumour microenvironment
Grading
- Class exams (2x25%) (1x10%) 60%
- Two short writing assignments 30%
- Class Participation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
This course will be based largely on primary literature and review articles.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The Biology of Cancer, 3rd Ed, Robert A. Weinberg, W.W. Norton (for background reading).
ISBN: 978-0393887655
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.