Understanding the Molecular Pharmacological Basis of Cancer Therapy
One Section Available to Choose From:
| Course Dates | Weeks | Meeting Times | Status | Instructor(s) | CRN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 01, 2013 - July 12, 2013 | 2 | M-F 3:50-6:40P | Waitlisted | Manjari Murali | 10426 |
Course Description
Scientific research has greatly enhanced our understanding of cancer biology, thus providing the basis for developing effective cancer drugs. This course will introduce key processes involved in the cell cycle and factors affecting drug action. Students will subsequently apply this knowledge to understand the biology and therapeutic strategies used to treat cancer. The introductory materials in pharmacology, molecular biology and cancer biology covered in this course will benefit students interested in pharmacy, medicine, nursing, scientific research, oncology, and other health-related professions.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer was the second leading cause of death in the United States in 2007 accounting for 562,875 deaths. During the same period, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reported that approximately 11,957,599 people had a history of cancer in this country. Despite these grim statistics, extensive scientific and clinical research focusing on cancer prevention and treatment has provided hope. NCI recently announced that cancer-related deaths in the U.S. began declining in the early 1990’s and continued this downward trend through 2007. Furthermore, new cases of cancer diagnosis decreased by slightly less than 1% per year from 2003-2007. Promising discoveries have been made in cancer therapy; however we still have a long way to go before all the questions are answered. Hence, careers in cancer research and therapy have thriving futures. If you are interested in such a career, this course will provide the perfect beginning by helping you understand the basics of cancer biology and the pharmacology of cancer drugs.
We will first learn key processes involved in cell division; DNA replication; protein synthesis; and cell death. Next, we will examine drug-receptor interactions; mechanisms of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion; and how extracellular signals are converted to biological responses within the cell. Finally, we will apply these concepts to define cancer; and to understand the disease incidence, and drug targets. You will also have the opportunity to learn about cancer research currently being conducted in the laboratory of our guest speaker. Beyond lectures and short exams, you will learn a great deal from the group assignment and case study analysis.
This course will enable students to understand the principles of pharmacology, molecular biology, and cancer biology. They will apply this basic knowledge to study how currently available cancer drugs function. Additionally, they will learn about cutting edge cancer research. Furthermore, this course will help improve their time management, critical thinking and teamwork skills.
The class will successfully attain the above learning goals by accomplishing the following objectives:
* Studying basic concepts in pharmacology, and molecular biology
* Examining the biology and treatment targets of cancer
* Learning about and discussing current cancer research with our guest speaker
* Working on a team project
* Critically analyzing a case study
It is strongly recommended that applicants successfully complete a basic course in high school biology and chemistry prior to enrolling in this course.