Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - MBB 460 D100

Selected Topics in Bioinformatics and Genomics (3)

Cancer Genomics

Class Number: 9397

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

  • Instructor:

    Laura Hilton

  • Prerequisites:

    Will vary depending on the topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The topics in this course will vary from term to term, depending on faculty availability and student interest. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Cancer Genomics

Description: 

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

  • Quizzes 40%
  • In-class presentation 20%
  • Writing assignment 30%
  • Class participation 10%

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisites:

MBB322, MBB331 and MBB342 with a minimum grade of C or permission of the instructor.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

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

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:

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