Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Cancer Biology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Subject coordinator: Cristina Moreta (cmoreta@uic.es)
Introduction
After the acquisition of basic concepts in Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, the subject of Cancer Biology is focused on the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of cancer, and how these can be explored from a therapeutic point of view. The subject is developed using a multidisciplinary approach, so that the student will be able to understand how these basic concepts translate into clinical practice, as well as the experimental models used to study cancer.
Pre-course requirements
Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics.
Objectives
To understand cancer cell deregulation at cellular and molecular levels.
To know the role of mutations and environmental factors in cancer development.
Know current pharmacological approaches and their mechanisms of action.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE11 - To identify the effects, mechanisms and manifestations of a disease on the structure and function of the human body at a molecular, cellular and tissue level.
- CG02 - To be aware of the aspects that govern pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
At the end of the course the student:
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Identifies the characteristics of tissues at cellular and molecular levels in situations of damage, adaptation and cell death.
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Knows the basis of disease and the most prevalent human pathologies.
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Knows the genetic basis of the tumor process and how it relates to the individual’s metabolism and immunological system.
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Knows the basic concepts of the most prevalent tumors.
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Understands how some strategies used in the treatment of cancer work at cellular / molecular level.
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Understands tumor heterogeneity and the processes of invasion and metastasis.
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Knows the main experimental models used to study cancer.
Syllabus
1. General aspects of cancer.
- Types of tumors.
- Description of prevalent tumors: solid and hematological malignancies.
- Tumor heterogeneity:
- Tumor composition.
- Immunologic components of the tumors.
- Tumor microenvironment.
- Cancer initiating cells and cancer stem cells.
- Origin of tumors:
- Chemical and physical mutagens.
- Tumor viruses and retrovirus.
- Hallmarks of cancer.
2. Oncogenes.
3. Tumor suppressor genes.
4. Implication of chromatin in cancer.
- Genomic instability and mutations.
- Epigenetics.
- Regulation of gene expression.
5. DNA damage repair (DDR).
- Main DDR pathways: NHEJ, HR, BER y MMR.
- Genomic alterations in DDR pathways.
- Checkpoints and PARP inhibitors.
6. Apoptosis and other types of cell death in cancer.
7. Senescence and quiescence in cancer.
- Cell immortality, telomeres and aging.
8. Angiogenesis in cancer.
9. Invasion and metastasis.
10. Metabolism of cancer cells.
11. Immunology and cancer.
- The immune system in cancer.
- Immune checkpoints and inhibitors.
- Tumor antigens.
12. The role of inflammation in cancer.
13. The phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells.
14. The implication of the microbiome in cancer.
15. Cancer therapies.
- Classic therapies: surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapies.
- Immunotherapies.
- Resistance to cancer therapies.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Lectures: the teacher explains theoretical concepts.
Integration of concepts' activities: two practical activities will be conducted in the classroom to integrate the theoretical concepts covered in the course.
Virtual education (VE): online material that the student can access from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to self-learning concepts related to the subject
Practical sessions: students become familiar with the most common experimental tools used in a biomedicine laboratory.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1) First call students:
- Practical sessions: 15%
- Midterm multiple-choice exam: 15% (includes half of the theoretical syllabus)
- Integration of concepts' activities: 10%
- Final multiple-choice exam: 60% (includes the entire theoretical syllabus)
2) Second call students: the continuous assessment grade (practical sessions and integration of concepts' activities) will be retained.
3) Third Call or Subsequent Students: the continuous assessment grade (practical sessions and integration of concepts' activities) will be retained, but students may choose to repeat attendance in different methodologies to obtain a new grade if they wish.
General points to consider about the evaluation system:
- To average the grades, a minimum score of 5 is required on the final exam.
- Attendance at practical sessions is mandatory. If a student does not attend, they will receive a 0.
- Exams will be multiple-choice with four answer options, where correct answers count +1 and incorrect answers count -0.25.
- Attendance at theoretical classes is not mandatory, but those attending must adhere to the rules set by the teaching staff. If arriving late, students should enter quietly without disturbing or interrupting the class.
Bibliography and resources
The presentations will include the bibliographic sources used so that students can consult them if they wish. Articles or reviews of interest may also be provided during the course.
Evaluation period
- E1 23/01/2025 A21 18:00h
- R1 31/01/2025 11:00h
- E2 20/06/2025 A04 14:00h