gsw120 - Tumor Biology

Enrolment in Master´s programme Molecular Biomedicine

Goals of the Module:
Upon successful completion of this module, students
 -  can define and identify oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
 -  know about the hallmarks of cancer and can explain them based on example pathways and traits
 -  know about the complexity of the tumor tissue and the different cells that are involved
 -  know about the principles of metastasis.

Competencies:
++ deepened biological & clinical expertise
++ interdisciplinary thinking
  + deepened knowledge of biological working methods & clinical diagnostics
++ data analysis skills
  + usage of databases and computational tools
++ critical & analytical thinking
  + independent searching & knowledge of scientific literature
++ data presentation & discussion (written and spoken)
  + teamwork
++ ethics & professional behavior

Part 1 - Lecture:
We will give a brief overview of several aspects of tumor biology: Types of mutation, hallmarks of cancer, tumor as a tissue, metastasis, oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, signal transduction and many example pathways that are important for cancer progression. In addition, you will learn about tumor-infiltrating immune cells and new therapy options like tumor-immune therapy.

Part 2 - Seminar:
Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to prepare presentations in small working groups where they critically evaluate current research regarding specific examples of tumor diseases and their therapy (problem-orientated learning)

Optional: 
Lectures from the study programme Human Medicine (winter semester only; will be held in German):
Lecture topics from the human Medicine programme focusses on large tumor entites, therapy strategies, and basics of carcinogenesis and therapetic implementation. Please note, that these lectures are not part of the curriculum and are therefore not relevant for the examinations.

Current literature will be uploaded on Stud.IP. Previous literature research is not necessary.
If you are looking for more information/background: Weinberg; “The Biology of Cancer”; Garland Science

The number of participants for this module is limited to 25. If there are more students registered than places available, lots will be drawn. Students which are enrolled in Master´s programme Molecular Biomedicine will be preferred.

written examination (60 min., 75%), presentation (25%)