Course website

 Located on WebCT.  You must login to access the material there.

Course Description:

This course is essentially a capstone course in biochemistry.  Topics vary from year to year and this year will focus on the molecular biology of cancer.  The goals of the semester are for students to:  1)  understand the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms which underlie the pathogenesis of cancer, 2)  develop the skills needed to read and understand complex review articles and articles from the primary literature, and 3)  develop the ability to present complex scientific information to an audience of your peers.

The class meets from 10:50-12:05 T Th in Williams 219.   The class content is based entirely on reviews and articles from the primary literature.  Many of these are extremely difficult and complex and understanding them will depend on attendance.  Missing classes without a legitimate excuse will inevitably result in a reduction in your grade.  Cell phones must be turned off while class is in session.  Use of earphones during class periods is also not allowed.  Students should arrive on-time to class.  Excessive and perpetual tardiness is not acceptable.
 

There is no text for the course.  Pdf’s for all papers are available on the course web site (WebCT) and should be read prior to the start of class.
Reading list (PDF)
 

Achievement of class goals will be assessed by multiple methods.  Quizzes will be administered at nearly every class meeting to assure that papers are read before class.  Class will begin each day with 10 minutes or so allocated to the quiz.  We will then discuss the assigned papers for the day.  In the final 5 or 10 minutes of class, students will have an opportunity to amend any incorrect quiz answers.  Both the first and second quizzes will be graded.  In addition to grades for quizzes, a take home final exam will be given.  Each student will also make a formal presentation of a primary literature paper.  The approximate distribution of points is as follows:

  In class quizzes:  200 points
  Take home final:  200 points
  Class presentation    50 points

Students are responsible for their own work, therefore cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.  While discussion between members of the class is a valuable learning tool, all written material must be your own.  Additionally, when summarizing scientific papers, direct quotation from the papers is not acceptable.  All writing must be in your own words!  In cases of academic misconduct, the policies of the College will be followed.

Students with Disabilities

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case by case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services and provide appropriate documentation to the college before any academic adjustment will be provided.   In cancer and molecular biology, many terms are closely related and a great deal of technical “jargon” is used, making the course extremely difficult and challenging.  Students with declared disabilities should see the instructor as soon as possible.