Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - MBB 460 D100

Selected Topics in Bioinformatics and Genomics (3)

Cancer Genomics

Class Number: 3096

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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
  • Gene expression and alternative splicing in cancer
  • Personalized oncogenomics
  • Mutational signatures

Grading

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

NOTES:

  • Lecture: synchronous (students are expected to attend scheduled lectures remotely)  
  • Assessments: synchronous in-class quizzes (4, dates TBA)

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisites:

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Access to high-speed internet
  • Computer (with webcam)

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:

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 FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. 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).