Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - MBB 669 G100

Special Topics in Genomics (3)

Cancer Genomics

Class Number: 6303

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 435 or 835.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in genomics.

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

  • In-class presentation 30%
  • Writing assignment 50%
  • Class participation 20%

NOTES:

  • Lecture: synchronous (students are expected to attend scheduled lectures remotely)  

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

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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).