Cancer Biology

Course aim

This course aims to engender the students with a comprehensive and detailed working knowledge of the nature of cancer and the biology behind the induction and propagation of the disease, the different techniques used for the diagnosis of cancer, and the current and experimental therapies used for the treatment of the disease.

Course content

The biology and genetics of cells and organisms. The nature of cancer. Tumour viruses. Cellular oncogenes. Growth factors and their receptors. Cytoplasmic signalling circuitry. Tumour suppressor genes. Rb and control of the cell cycle. p53 and apoptosis. Cell immortalisation and tumourigenesis. Multistep tumourigenesis. Genomic integrity and the development of cancer. Heterotypic interactions and the biology of angiogenesis. Invasion and metastasis. Small animal models of cancer. Histological, molecular and genetic diagnostics. Surgery. Medical and radiation oncology. Pharmacogenomics in medical oncology. Experimental therapeutics (monoclonal antibodies, STI’s, angiogenesis, immunotherapy, gene therapy, stem cells).

Textbook(s)

Robert A Weinberg, The Biology of Cancer, Current Edition, Garland Science

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Essay on selected topic, Journal club presentation, Test 1, Test 2

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.