SCV0499 - CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the biological and molecular aspects of neoplastic transformation and to explore how these mechanisms are altered in different types of cancer. Emphasis will be given to the events that drive cancer initiation, cancer progression and metastatic dissemination. The role of the micro-environment will also be deeply investigated, now considered to be a key player in supporting all phases of the development of cancer. At the end of the course, the students will: get to know the fundaments of molecular mechanism of cancer onset, progression and metastasis describe the reciprocal relationship between the microenvironment and tumour cells distinguish the role of cancer stem cells from the bulk tumour cells return the complexity of the epigenetic processes involved in tumour progression build conceptual maps for the explanation of the still unresolved aspects of genetic and epigenetic hierarchy during tumour onset and progression search PubMed for the relevant scientific articles for their exam This course will also provide the students with the opportunity to develop as adult learners and as effective contributors in a professional environment by: 1. Being responsible for their own learning and for the depth of their own study. 2. Using their own initiative to make use of all the available resources to complement lecture material, including academic staff resources. 3. Working in a team environment and contributing effectively to their own learning and to that of their peers by questioning each other and academic staff when uncertain. 4. Developing communication skills by effective interaction with peers and academic staff. The optional Cellular and Molecular Oncology course is part of the two curricula (Basic and Applied Biomedical Sciences and Double Degree) of the first year of the Master's Degree in Biomedical sciences, allowing the student to study in depth cellular and molecular bases that govern pathological processes in oncology