Some of these, in fact, are likely to have evolved in response to the obvious selection against propensity for cancer. We hope to stress the interactions among these different themes. In addition, throughout the course, as we discuss the mechanisms by which cancer develops, we will emphasize the normal physiological mechanisms that a potential cancer cell must evade if is to develop into a tumor. The aberrations in cancer cells involve some of the most fundamental aspects of cell physiology including many aspects of signal transduction, transcriptional and translational control, the cell cycle, programmed cell death, cell adhesion, and cell motility. More detail will be available in subsequent courses.
Discussion sections are an important part of the learning process.
Several research or review papers will be assigned per lecture. Students will have the opportunity to present a paper in discussion section and be graded on that presentation as well as participation in discussions throughout the quarter. Discussion attendance is required. Expected elements of a presentation include background research that allows the paper to be viewed in a meaningful context, explanation of the questions being asked, analysis of the data, and suggestions for future directions of research in this field. A simple review of figures will not receive full credit.