This course is intended for Life Science majors or those with a strong background in the Biological Sciences.

This course may be used to fulfill the elective requirements of the Biological Sciences major.

Offered

Fall

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Genetics 447:380 (Credit not given for this and Introduction to Cancer 447:245)

Course Description

This is an advanced course covering the biological and medical aspects of malignancy. It covers oncogenic viruses, environmental chemical carcinogens, cell growth regulation, tumor immunology, and the genetics of cancer.

Topics include:

• Pathology of neoplasia and tumor progression
• Characteristics of tumor cells in vitro
• Control of cell cycle and cell proliferation
• Negative growth control: apoptosis, cell senescence, telomeres
• Tumor cell heterogeneity and genome instability
• Cloning and mapping oncogenes
• Oncogene activation
• Oncogene products and signal transduction
• Retinoblastoma - Tumor suppressor genes
• Breast Cancer - Invasion and metastasis
• Prostate Cancer
• Future Diagnosis and Therapy of Cancer

Course URL

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Two short papers (20% each)
Abstract and outline of research proposal, Final term paper in the form of a research proposal (50%)
Class participation and evaluation (10%).

Course Materials

Course Packet at Pequod Copy Studio, 119 Somerset, New Brunswick

Readings and handouts also on reserve at Library of Science and Medicine

Faculty

David E. Axelrod
Dept. Genetics
Nelson Biolabs, Room B209
phone: 445-2011