CRN 21598 Mon/Wed 10:00-11:15 PM, Room SCI2 243

SYLLABUS Biology 316 Biology of Cancer Spring ‘08 CRN 21598 Mon/Wed 10:00-11:15 PM, room SCI2 243 Instructor: Michael Burg, Ph.D. Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Mon/Wed 2:15-3:15 SCI2 141

Course Description: This is an introductory course that examines the basic biology of cancer and the approaches currently taken in cancer treatment. Basic principles of cell biology and genetics are explored to unravel the mechanisms of cancer development and the development of effective cancer therapeutics. The course emphasizes the process of scientific inquiry to illustrate how cancer biologists gather and analyze data in order to better understand and treat this disease estimated to be the number two killer in the US. The course is intended for all that want to learn about the types of cancer, causes of cancer, treatments of cancer, and the social impact of this disease on patients, families and society. Topics that are emphasized in this course include the fundamental causes of cancers and basic preventative measures. Lectures will emphasize the scientific approach. Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. Describe the basic preventative measures available to lower the risk of cancer development. 2. List the basic risk factors associated with the development of cancer (genetic and environmental). 3. Describe the major types of cancer and the relative incidence and mortality risks associated with the major. 4. List examples of mutations that develop in the six basic pathways of cancer development: The Hallmarks of Cancer: Oncogenes, tumor suppressors, avoidance of cell death, avoidance of cellular senescence, acquisition of new blood vessels, acquisition of metastatic capability. 5. Describe the basic techniques used to study cancer including cell culture, animal models, genomics, and proteomics. 6. Read and analyze cancer literature detailing the current approaches in the treatment of cancer including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and anti-angiogenic therapy. 7. Read and analyze cancer literature from scientific periodicals. 8. Recognize and evaluate the differences between normal cells and cancer cells. 9. Describe the process by which a potential anti-cancer therapeutic must take to gain FDA approval. 10. Examine the socio-economic impact cancer has on families and society.

Required Texts, Materials, and Web-Enhancement

 Principles of Cancer Biology, Kleinsmith, Pearson Education, 2006  Scantron Answer Sheets (Form 882-ES).  Attendance, class ethics, and additional considerations 1. Attendance is a minimal requirement for your successful understanding of the material. Be respectful: Please arrive on-time, turn off your cell phones, and don’t chat! 1- Academic dishonesty and plagiarism (the unauthorized or uncredited use of someone else’s work) will result in a grade of “F” for the assignment. Its continued practice will be reported to the appropriate deans for possible disciplinary action and will result in an “F” for the course.

GRADING Exams 1. There will be 4 exams (each worth 100 points) on the material stipulated in the study sheets. There is no cumulative final. 2. All exams count; There will be 1 makeup exam for those who missed a test or did very poorly. This will be a cumulative test covering the all material through the first four tests and will be conducted at a time to be announced.

Other assignments 1. There will be various graded in class activities and homework that will be worth around 100 points. 2. There will be 1 final project consisting of a written presentation on a cancer topic (see below). This will be worth 60 points Extra credit . 1. There will be 5 extra points available on each exam. These questions will require you to go beyond what is covered by lecture. 2. Participation in a run/walk for cancer or volunteering at the American Cancer Society will be worth 10 points each American Cancer Society 2655 Camino Del Rio North, Ste 100 San Diego, CA 921081633 Phone: 619-299-4200

Grading summary and calculation: Written Exams (4x100) 400 Assignments around 100 Final Project 60 TOTAL POINTS around 560 Bonus points: 30 points Letter grades will be assigned as follows: GRADING Your grade is based upon a percentage of the total points you accumulate during the semester. A = 90% - 100% of the total possible points B = 80% - 89% of the total possible points C = 70% -79% of the total possible points D = 60% -69%of the total possible points F = Less than 59% of the total possible points Date Lecture Topic Readings Jan 23 What is cancer? General introduction and overview Kleinsmith Chpt. 1 Jan 28 What is cancer? General introduction and overview Kleinsmith Chpt. 1 Jan 30 Cancer Video I Feb 4 What causes cancer? Epidemiology and experimental method Kleinsmith Chpt. 4 Feb 6 What is our risk for various forms of cancer? Kleinsmith Chpt. 1 and Feb 11 HPV cancer vaccines Supplemental reading Feb 13 Exam #1 Feb 18 TBA Feb 20 How does cancer arise? Normal cell cycle and tissue structure Kleinsmith Chpt. 2 Feb 25 How does cancer arise? The hallmarks of cancer: Oncogenes Kleinsmith Chpt. 9 Feb 27 How does cancer arise? The hallmarks of cancer: Oncogenes Kleinsmith Chpt. 9 Mar 3 How does cancer arise? The hallmarks of cancer: Tumor suppressors Kleinsmith Chpt. 10 Mar 5 How does cancer arise? The hallmarks of cancer: Tumor suppressors Kleinsmith Chpt. 10 Mar 10 Exam #2 Mar 12 How does cancer arise? The hallmarks of cancer: Evasion of cell Kleinsmith Chpt. 2 and death and Immortality supplemental reading Mar 17 How does cancer spread? Metastasis Kleinsmith Chpt. 3 and supplemental reading Mar 19 How does cancer spread? Metastasis Kleinsmith Chpt. 3 and supplemental reading Mar 24 How does cancer spread? Metastasis/Angiogenesis Kleinsmith Chpt. 3 and supplemental reading Mar 26 How does cancer spread? Angiogenesis Kleinsmith Chpt. 3 and supplemental reading Mar 31- SPRING BREAK April -5 April 7 How does cancer spread? Immune system evasion Kleinsmith Chpt. 2 and supplemental reading April 9 Exam #3 April 14 Heredity and cancer Kleinsmith Chpt. 8 and supplemental reading April 16 Cancer screening and diagnosis Kleinsmith Chpt. 11 and supplemental reading April 21 Cancer treatment Kleinsmith Chpt. 11 and supplemental reading April 23 Cancer treatment Kleinsmith Chpt. 11 and supplemental reading April 28 Emerging cancer treatments Kleinsmith Chpt. 11 and supplemental reading April 30 Emerging cancer treatments Kleinsmith Chpt. 11 and supplemental reading May 5 Cancer prevention Kleinsmith Chpt. 12 and supplemental reading May 7 Exam #4 May 12-14 makeup exam during scheduled final exam Final Project Description: Choose any type of cancer and prepare a educational brochure that a community member could use to gain further understanding of the disease. The brochure should briefly describe 1. General symptoms/features of the cancer 2. The prevalence of the cancer type in the US: Include any differences between men and women and/or ethnicities. 3. Brief summary of current treatment options for the cancer type 4. Brief description of current research on the disease 5. List of foundations or other sources of information The brochure should be 1-2 pages. And must include:  At least three references (articles, books, newspapers, online resources) in addition to the Principles of Cancer Biology textbook Remember: No plagiarism!