BIOL 401 - Cancer Biology

(Same as BCHM 401.) Prerequisites, BIOL 208, BCHM 335. This course is intended for upper level undergraduate students who are interested in biomedical topics. Building on the student’s knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and physiology, the discussion will begin with the process of cell transformation and continue on to the mechanisms of uncontrolled cell division, the interactions between tumor cells and the (micro)environment, and the “renegade behavior” of cancer cells in metastasis. These principal stages of cancer will be emphasized by discussing the molecular pathways underlying signal transduction, cellular energetics, inflammation, and angiogenesis. The course also offers some insight into more clinical aspects of cancer, including diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and prediction to therapeutic intervention. Lecture. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits