The program in Cancer Biology requires that each student take at least five graded courses, which include two research rotations:
Cancer Biology Fundamentals (CABI 30800). This course introduces students to key aspects of cancer biology, including fundamental molecular mechanisms (includes tumor suppressor and oncogene function, cell cycle checkpoint control, cytokinesis defects and aneuploidy, DNA damage sensing & repair, cell death mechanisms, cellular senescence) underpinning the initiation and progression of disease. These lectures are taught alongside an introduction to clinical and translational perspectives, on the topics of epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis and staging, and the basis for various therapeutic strategies with an emphasis on four different organ sites to illustrate key points. The course concludes with an examination of how to identify important research questions in cancer biology and the importance of innovation in research. Course Director - Lingen. Autumn of Year 1.
Cancer Biology II: Molecular Mechanisms in Cancer Biology (CABI 30900)
This course focuses on the molecular events that drive cancer initiation and progression. Specific focuses include genome instability and mutations, roles of epigenetic regulation in cancer, and common signaling cascades. We also explore the role of the tumor microenvironment in these processes, including roles of other cell types and tumor metabolism. These lectures are taught in parallel with examinations of current and classic literature in these topics, with a strong emphasis on understanding state-of-the-art techniques. Course Directors – Faubert/Piunti. Winter Quarter.
Introduction to Experimental Cancer Biology (CABI 39000). This is a primary literature-based course that tracks our outstanding CCB Seminar Series and also incorporates seminars of interest from other Divisional programs. Typically, students meet to discuss research papers published by the following week's seminar speaker, attend the seminar, and then meet with the speaker afterward. Faculty hosts of outside speakers are also encouraged to attend the relevant class. The goal of the course is to broaden the student's exposure to current cutting edge research and to encourage discussion of scientific ideas among peers, as well introduce students to some of the major figures in cancer research with whom they may pursue future post-doctoral opportunities. All students start with an "A" grade but lose grade points if class performance or attendance is inadequate. Course Director - Rosner. Winter of Year 1 and 2.
Readings in Cancer Biology (CABI 40100). Pairs of students sign up for two to four five-week sessions. Students meet with a CCB faculty member twice a week to dissect and critique a series of recent papers on a single topic. Students present each paper to the faculty, who provides feedback and commentary and asks questions to probe understanding and depth of preparation. The course focuses on honing skills in reading, scholarship, critical analysis, presentation and discussion that are tested by the Preliminary Examination and are important for success as an independent researcher. The course is graded based on faculty evaluation. Course director: Staff. Fall and Spring of Year 1.
Research Rotations (BSDG 40100). The goal of research rotations is to help students make informed choices for thesis advisors. During the Fall quarter, students are encouraged to meet as many faculty as possible, speaking one-on-one to learn about shared interests and to find exciting projects and opportunities. Students then contact faculty and request the opportunity to join their labs for two nine-week rotations or three six-week rotations during Winter and Spring quarters. During the rotation, the student, the faculty and their group have the opportunity to evaluate the fit and potential for a successful thesis. With approval of the Curriculum Committee, students who wish to consider more options can pursue another one or two six-week rotations during Summer quarter. Credit (pass/fail) is awarded upon formally choosing the thesis lab. Course director: Staff. Winter, Spring and Summer of Year 1.
Hypothesis Design and Grant Writing Skills (CABI 31600). This is a course based on developing and testing hypotheses that will provide an overview and real-world experience of the grant-writing process (F31 format), as well as responding to criticisms and presenting one’s grant in a precise but concise manner. As it is a course centered around in-class discussion, it is dependent on the consistent creativity and participation of students in order to provide and receive useful feedback to and from their colleagues. The grant will formulate hypotheses around the student’s own research project and the completed grant should provide a strong basis for future F31 or other fellowship applications. Review and input from each student’s PI is encouraged. Course Directors -Basu, Izumchenko, Bader. Autumn of Year 2.
Translational Approaches in Cancer Biology (CABI 32000). This is a lab/clinic-based course in which students complete training objectives in multiple modules of translational/applied cancer research (clinical, animal models, targeted therapy, intellectual property, bioinformatics, nanotechnology and population science). The emphasis of the course is hands-on experience and a high degree of independence is expected. Trainees select a topic on which to write up a final discussion paper and each student will deliver a presentation on their topic that incorporates elements of the different translational elements discussed during the quarter. Course Director -Macleod. Spring of Year 2.