Oncological Sciences

Onc Sci Upper Level Curriculum 09-10

  • Oncological Sciences graduate students take one and a half semesters of electives beyond their previous core curriculum. 
  • At least half a semester is required to be an Advanced Seminar. 
  • Upper level courses offered by Oncological Sciences are described below; courses from other departments may also be of interest. 
  • Consult with your PI and your thesis committee to design the best individual training plan.
  • All grad students should actively participate in a Journal Club, although in later years you do not sign up for credit; more info on Journal Clubs is upcoming

FALL - 2009 (1st half semester) August 24 - October 9

FALL - 2009 (2nd half semester) October 19 - December 11

Physiology & Medicine for the Molecular Biologist
ONCSC / 6520-001
Course leader: Dean Li

The goal of this course is to provide graduate students in the basic sciences with a richer understanding of human physiology and pathophysiology. This information is critical for understanding the importance of any molecular mechanism at the level of cells, organs and whole animals, and applying this information to humans. This course is aimed for students interested in:

  • Gaining an understanding on the broad implications of their research and basic science.
  • Learning how their focus in molecular mechanisms translates to medical interventions.
  • Obtaining a foundation in anatomy and physiology necessary that is critical for understanding how to characterize genetic engineered animal models
  • Preparing themselves scientifically for careers in biotech or pharma industry.

We will teach the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to a given organ system (heart, lung, kidney etc.). The relationship between molecular mechanism, pathophysiology and medicine will be emphasized. Each sections will be organized into three-1 hour lectures. Lectures will include up to date molecular details of interest and relevance to this audience. Though the course will utilize a textbook, McCance and Huether Pathophysiology, class participation is key as we will synthesize information to develop therapeutic strategies of today and tomorrow.

SPRING - 2010 (1st half semester) January 11 - March 2

SPRING - 2010 (2nd half semester) March 3 - April 28

Clinical Cancer Biology (Didactic)*
ONCSC / 6500-001
Course Leader: Steve Lessnick

Course Aim: Review current understanding of the molecular and cellular biology of cancer and how this knowledge relates to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment or equivalent 1st year Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics

Utilization of Animal Models in the Development of Clinical Models*
ONCSC / 6700-011
Course Leaders: Dean Li & Kirk Thomas

It is now possible to precisely modify any DNA sequence within the genome of the mouse. This course emphasizes using mouse models to dissect the genetic basis of human disease. Modification of genes using homologous recombination will be covered extensively as will other methods of gene inactivation (anti-sense constructs, inhibitory RNA, etc.). New experimental systems for modeling human disease in zebrafish and drosophila will also be covered. We will use genes of interest from clinical and scientific studies of the class participants as examples (e.g. If you want to knockout a gene for your project, in preparation for your prelims or scientific edification-we will develop the strategy).

*open to first year students for elective credit

2009–2010 (Journal Clubs)

Transcription Journal Club
ONCSC / 7700-001
Course Leader: Brad Cairns

The Transcription Journal Club is an opportunity for colleagues interested in transcriptional biology to present, learn, and discuss work of importance in the field. Topics include chromatin structure and regulation, transcription factor/signaling interfaces, transcriptional regulation in development, RNAi interference, epigenetics, genomics approaches, dosage compensation, and the misregulation of transcription in cancer. The format involves weekly article presentations and monthly research talks, with pizza and drinks provided at the research talks.

Cancer Biology Journal Club
ONCSC / 7700-003
Course Leaders: Steve Lessnick & Alana Welm

The Cancer Biology Journal Club will review recent advances in the cancer field. Each month will focus on a particular “theme” in cancer biology, such as cell cycle, cell death, cancer stem cells, metastasis, tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, etc. The normal physiology, the cancer relevant alterations in the pathway, and the clinical translation of the topic will all be emphasized. One strength of the Journal Club is the participation of trainees from different fields, at different stages of training, and with different career goals. Thus, graduate students, post-docs, clinical fellows, technicians, research track and tenure track faculty are all encouraged to participate.

Generally, each meeting focuses on one particular paper. However, occasional sessions are held with a focus on current research performed by journal club participants. Graduate students present once a year, and post-docs, fellows, and faculty are scheduled into the remaining slots

**Some students participate in a JC related to a more specialized topic or to a specific training grant. i.e.:

-Gastrointestinal Development and Differentiation (Jones)

These exceptions need approval by the instructor and approval number from the department prior to registration and should be discussed with your PI and thesis committee.**