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Optional in stage
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Prerequisites
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Language of instruction
Duration
LevelMolecular Oncology (B-KUL-E07A4A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
This course gives in a very intelligible way a (1) state of the art overview of our current molecular knowledge of cancer biology, (2) compares tumour genesis to developmental biology, (3) introduces the newest technologies into the domain (as well as automatization, robotics and computer science) and (4) looks forward to future therapies.
Previous knowledge
No specific prior knowledge required.
The courses of the Bachelor of Medicine can only be attended if the entrance exam has been passed, as organized by the Flemish Community. For more info: http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/toelatingsexamen/
These choices must not be indicated in the ISP, but should happen through the choice program of the Faculty. More info on this will be given during the first week of the academic year. The Faculty will assign the courses and communicate this through Toledo. There is a maximum amount of students who can participate in each course. Students of other Faculties who which to one of the courses below need to hand in an application to Pascal Ryckaert, fac. Medicine. Only when the maximum amount of students per course has not yet been reached, other students will be allowed.
Content
In this course, the following subjects will be studied:
1. The introduction described the molecular basis of tumour formation, the concept which claims that cancer is a genetic, and sometimes hereditary, disease. We discuss the discovery of oncogenics, tumour suppressor genes and DNA recovery/mutator genes. Subsequently we have a closer look at their function in transcription regulation and cell-cycle control. This automatically brings us to describing cellular signal transduction cascades.
2. Consequently we focus on the function of cancer genes which play a role in gene transcription. A large part of such genes have been discovered by their direct involvement in chromosomal disorders and are at the basis of leukaemias, lymphomes and fixed tumours. We will discuss how such genes are traced with the newest techniques and the enormous importance of the Human Genome Project for cancer research.
3. Molecular oncological research is starting to increase the possibilities for diagnostics and therapy enormously. We illustrate this with concrete examples from the pharmaceutical industry and the clinic.
Course material
Articles and literature
Slides, transparencies, courseware
Order of Enrolment
Mixed prerequisite:
You may only take this course if you comply with the prerequisites. Prerequisites can be strict or flexible, or can imply simultaneity. A degree level can be also be a prerequisite.
Explanation:
STRICT: You may only take this course if you have passed or applied tolerance for the courses for which this condition is set.
FLEXIBEL: You may only take this course if you have previously taken the courses for which this condition is set.
SIMULTANEOUS: You may only take this course if you also take the courses for which this condition is set (or have taken them previously).
DEGREE: You may only take this course if you have obtained this degree level.
( FLEXIBLE(E01A7A) OR FLEXIBLE(U02A4A) ) AND ( FLEXIBLE(E02A2A) OR FLEXIBLE(U02A2A) ) AND ( SIMULTANEOUS(E04A6A) OR SIMULTANEOUS(U01A9A) )
The codes of the course units mentioned above correspond to the following course descriptions:
E01A7A : Cell Biology I
U02A4A : Molecular Biology
E02A2A : Cell Biology II
U02A2A : Cell Biology
E04A6A : Cell Physiology
U01A9A : Cell Physiology
Activities
3.0 ects. Molecular Oncology (B-KUL-E07A4a)
Content
1. The introduction described the molecular basis of tumour formation, the concept which claims that cancer is a genetic, and sometimes hereditary, disease. We discuss the discovery of oncogenics, tumour suppressor genes and DNA recovery/mutator genes. Subsequently we have a closer look at their function in transcription regulation and cell-cycle control. This automatically brings us to describing cellular signal transduction cascades.
2. Consequently we focus on the function of cancer genes which play a role in gene transcription. A large part of such genes have been discovered by their direct involvement in chromosomal disorders and are at the basis of leukaemias, lymphomes and fixed tumours. We will discuss how such genes are traced with the newest techniques and the enormous importance of the Human Genome Project for cancer research.
3. Molecular oncological research is starting to increase the possibilities for diagnostics and therapy enormously. We illustrate this with concrete examples from the pharmaceutical industry and the clinic.
Aims
This course gives in a very intelligible way a (1) state of the art overview of our current molecular knowledge of cancer biology, (2) introduces the newest technologies into the domain and (3) looks forward to future therapies.
Description of learning activities
(active) listening, paying critical attention, thinking along, reflecting, taking notes, examining information against own attitudes. Students are asked to read a few articles critically and discuss them in group.
Course material
The study material consists of a course (photo material, schemes and tables), powerpoint presentations and state of the art literature (reviews).
Evaluation
Evaluation : Molecular Oncology (B-KUL-E27A4a)
Explanation
Emphasis is laid on understanding the course material, not just reproducing it. The exam will take place before the normal examination period.
The assessment of the electives is planned for the end of the semester in which the elective is programmed and outside of the normal examination period.
