MBG 407 - Cancer Biology

The aim of the Cancer Biology course is to explain, convey, support with resources, and teach the following:

• The characteristic features of cancer cells,
• The development and order of cancer development and metastatic stages,
• The concepts of oncogenes and oncoproteins that cause cancer,
• The tumor microenvironment and its role in cancer development,
• Genomic instability and oncogenic activation relation
• The difference between stem cells and cancer stem cells,
• The definition of angiogenesis and its importance for cancer development,
• The difference between benign and malignant tumors,
• Effect of anti-apoptotic pathways in cancer cells
• The available treatment approaches against cancer.

This course covers the nature of cancer, cancer development, genetics, causes of cancer, genetic changes in cancer, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, and metastasis. It also includes information on the molecular mechanisms of cancer and how cancer cells behave differently from normal cells. Cancer stages and developmental phases in cancer cells are examined.

Weinberg, R. A., & Weinberg, R. A. (2006). The biology of cancer. WW Norton & Company.

All students are required to attend 70% of the theoretical lectures.
The passing grade for the course is 50 points.
The allowed time for being late to class is the first 10 minutes.
The allowed time for being late to the exam is 20 minutes.
If anyone leaves the exam within the first 20 minutes, late students will not be admitted regardless of the 20-minute time tolerance.
Non-class activities (playing games, making phone calls, phone texting, consuming strongly scented foods such as spices, garlic, and onions, personal care, etc.) are prohibited during class.