6 EC
Semester 1, period 2
5053MOON6Y
The course Molecular Oncology centers on one of the most common tumor types: colorectal cancer. The course covers the important molecular signalling pathways involved, and the steps through which colon cancer arises - from a small polyp to a metastasised malignant cancer. We will explain how the advent of detailed molecular analysis methods has helped us to understand most of the underlying (epi)genetic changes and the molecular pathways involved. In the course, students will learn how mutations, large chromosomal defects, epigenetic regulation, and other molecular events impacts on tumor biology. These lectures on molecular data and analyses are made interactive in several interactive bioinformatics sessions.
A second important topic of the course is the role of heterogeneity within tumours. A growing number of tumors are now known to consist of cells with two or more different phenotypes. The different phenotypes vary in molecular pathways, the ability to divide and resistance to therapy. It is becoming increasingly clear that the different types of tumour cells closely resemble various stages of the development of the tissue from which the tumour originated. The consequences of this heterogeneity as well as the mechanisms that govern it will be discussed. Specifically, the role of stem cells and cancer stem cells in colon cancer is discussed.
Heterogeneity also exists between tumors, and during the course, we will explain how these differences manifest, and the mechanisms that are involved. Parallels between intra- and intertumor heterogeneity are discussed. How the different levels of heterogeneity and cancer cell phenotypes affect therapy response will be discussed. New drugs that specifically inhibit cancer pathways and epigenetic processes are also explained.
In several journal club sessions, students will present and discuss seminal research papers covering the topics lectured during the course.
The Biology of Cancer | Robert A Weinberg, 2nd edition or newer
Molecular Biology of the Cell | Alberts et al., 7th edition
r2.amc.nl
Scientific publications (will be shared in the course)
The Lectures are given in person at the AMC, and also recorded for later reference. They will prepare the students for the exam.
The practical course is also on site (presence mandatory) and will teach basic bioinformatics skills.
The Literature Presentations (presence mandatory) will teach students how to critically interpret literature, to explain the study to their peers, and to discuss these papers. Presenters are graded. Papers will be announced and shared shortly.
Activity | Hours | |
Hoorcollege | 19.75 | |
Laptopcollege | 4 | |
Presentatie | 9 | |
Tentamen | 2 | |
Self study | 133.25 | |
Total | 168 | (6 EC x 28 uur) |
Programme's requirements concerning attendance (OER-B):
Additional requirements for this course:
Attendance with Literature Presentations (Referaten) and the R2 practical bioinformatics course is mandatory.
| Item and weight | Details |
|
Final grade | |
|
0.85 (85%) Tentamen | |
|
0.15 (15%) Referaten |
The exam is a written test, aligning with the learning goals stated with the lectures.
On demand; students should contact the coordinator.
The graded parts of the course are the exam that the students study for and are prepared for in the lectures.
The students also prepare, and perform literature presentations. This is graded and presence is mandatory.
The bioinformatics course is done in collaborations in small groups and will familiarize the students with basic gene expression analysis. This part is not graded but presence is mandatory.
The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl
| Weeknummer | Onderwerpen | Studiestof |
| 1 | General introduction and lectures | Lectures, Alberts and Weinberg |
| 2 | Lectures and practical course | Lectures, Alberts and Weinberg, R2 website |
| 3 | Literature presentations | Scientific publications (TBD) |
| 4 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 6 | ||
| 7 | ||
| 8 |
In response to last year's evaluations and comments from the OC, the following changes were implemented:
During or directly after the lectures, formative testing will be done. Also, a test exam will be made available on Canvas.
The R2 bioinformatics practical course has been made more interactive between students, to boost collaborative skills.
Test questions will made more more clear.
AMC, G2-131
020-5667777