Biology 381-02
Topics in Cancer Biology
Spring 2016
Syllabus
Course Description:
This course examines some of the molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms
that lead to cancer formation. Specific topics that will be covered include the
regulation of signal transduction pathways; genomic instability and gene
mutation; oncogenes; tumor suppressor genes, and cancer diagnosis and
treatment.
Important Note: You are responsible for understanding all of the course rules and
regulations that are described in this syllabus. Read the syllabus carefully!
Instructor:
Professor Jill A. Macoska
Email: Jill.Macoska@umb.edu
(Note: Please put Cancer Biology in the subject line of emails.)
Office: Integrated Science Complex (ISC), Room 4601. Phone: 617-287-5783
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2:15 to 3:15, or by appointment.
Lectures times: T, Th 12:30-1:45 PM.
Room: M01-318
Attendance is required! If you must miss a lecture, it is your responsibility to
find out what you missed, including any announcements or handouts.
Prerequisites:
Biology 252/254 (Genetics) or equivalent, and Biology 210/212 (Cell Biology) or
equivalent.
Students taking this course should have a clear understanding of basic molecular
biological processes including recombination, transcription, mRNA
splicing/processing, translation, and signal transduction.
Required Textbook:
Molecular Biology of Cancer , 3rd edition. Lauren Pecorino, Oxford University
Press.
Course objectives:
Students in this course will…
1.
Acquire an historical perspective on the set of related diseases that are
referred to as “cancer.”
2.
Gain an understanding of the sequence of events which can take a cell
from normal to transformed.
3.
4.
Be introduced to the molecular mechanisms responsible for cancer
initiation and progression.
Gain an appreciation for the evolution of cancer detection and treatment
as well as the current state of the art in these areas.
Grading:
Exams: Three one-hour exams will be given. The final exam will be held during
finals week but is not comprehensive.
Rules for Exams: Please plan ahead. You will not be able to leave the room during
the exams. If needed, you may use a basic calculator only (the $2 to $5 type) during
exams. No phones, tablets, laptops, or other communication or computing devices
will be allowed. Notes written on skin, extraneous pieces of paper, or other
substrates are not permitted. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in forfeiture
and a grade of 0 for the exam.
Missed Exam Policy: All students must take exams at the scheduled times. This
policy is strictly enforced. Make-up exams will not be given except in cases of
documented serious medical or other emergency, which must be verified with proper
documentation (e.g., doctor's note, police report, or other similar document).
Course Grades will be determined as follows:
 Three one-hour exams: 25% each, 75% total.
 EGFR signaling project:
5%
 Cancer Tri-Fold project:
5%
 p53 project:
5%
 Class participation:
10%: attendance + verbal interaction
Project Rubrics will be handed out in class and posted on Blackboard two weeks
prior to the due date of the project.
Re-grade Policy: Legitimate concerns about exam scores will be considered. Regrade requests must be submitted in writing within one week after receiving your
graded exam.
Incompletes: According to University regulations, a grade of Incomplete is given
only when a specific component of the course cannot be completed due to illness or
other extenuating circumstances. To request an Incomplete, you must be passing
the course.
Blackboard site:
This course has a Blackboard site. Log on at https://umb.umassonline.net Look for
Biol 381-02. You can download lecture materials, handouts, etc.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
The University of Massachusetts Boston is committed to providing appropriate
academic accommodations for all students with disabilities. If you have a disability
and feel you will need accommodations in this course, please contact:
The Ross Center for Disability Services:
Campus Center, Upper Level, Room 211 (617-287-7430).
Website: http://www.umb.edu/academics/vpass/disability/
After registering with the Ross Center, a student should present and discuss the
accommodations with the professor. Although a student can request
accommodations at any time, we recommend that students inform the professor of
the need for accommodations by the end of the Add/Drop period to ensure that
accommodations are in place for the entire course. This syllabus is available in
alternate format upon request.
Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity:
Students at the University must adhere absolutely to the Student Code of Conduct,
which can accessed at:
http://www.umb.edu/life_on_campus/policies/community/code.
Section XI: Academic Honesty, states, “It is the expressed policy of the University
that every aspect of academic life not only formal coursework situations, but all
relationships and interactions connected to the educational process shall be
conducted in an absolutely and uncompromisingly honest manner. The University
presupposes that any submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work
is the student’s own and is in compliance with University policies. In cases where
academic dishonesty is discovered after completion of a course or degree program,
sanctions may be imposed retroactively, up to and including revocation of the
degree. Any student who reasonably believes another student has committed an act
of academic dishonesty should inform the course instructor of the alleged violation.”
Penalties for academic misconduct in the course, including plagiarism and cheating,
are strictly enforced, and the penalties are extremely serious. Penalties include
suspension from the University. If you have questions about what constitutes
plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, see Prof. Macoska before
completing an assignment or exam. Ignorance of the rules does not excuse any
academic conduct violation.