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, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry | ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calendar | Spring 2023

Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization (IOGS)

This specialization is for students who are interested in gaining exposure to diverse facets of cancer-related research. is through the interdisciplinary oncology steering committee.

Students must fulfill all departmental requirements for the degree in which they are enrolled.

The IOGS requires completion of two courses, which can count toward the departmental requirement for elective graduate courses.

The two required IOGS courses are

ONC 502 - Concepts in Oncology (3)

This course covers the biology and epidemiology of cancer and theories behind prevention, diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer. A major goal of the course is to integrate knowledge and research on the biology of cancer with all disciplines in oncology. This course can only be taken once, either during an MSc or during a PhD. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.

ONC 510 - Seminars in Oncology (3)

This course features cancer-related research by trainees and faculty at the BC Cancer Research Centre. Topics include recent developments in the molecular basis of oncogenesis, cancer bioinformatics, cancer epidemiology, cancer treatment and other clinical studies, and ethical issues. Students are required to present seminars on their research. Students undertaking the Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization must enroll in this course throughout their entire time as a graduate student. This course can be taken twice, if a student does the Interdisciplinary Oncology Graduate Specialization (IOGS) as an MSc student, and also does it as a PhD student. Students who transfer from MSc to PhD would only take it once. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD

Additional courses may be taken at the discretion of the student's supervisor and supervisory committee. Such courses may be selected from the following*:

BISC 834 - Essential Cell Biology (3)

Review of basic processes in cell biology including, but not limited to, cell adhesion/migration, cytoskeleton, endo/exocytosis, intracellular trafficking, signal transduction, ion homeostasis, energy generation, protein processing/apoptosis, post-translation modifications, genomics. A review of each topic will be followed by an introduction to cutting-edge work in this field. Prerequisite: Permission of the course co-ordinator.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
BPK 806 - Special Topics (3)

Special topics in areas not currently covered within the graduate program offerings. The course may be offered as a lecture, seminar course or a distance education course.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 12:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
BPK 851 - Recent Advances in Experimental Carcinogenesis (3)

This class will integrate current knowledge on the process of carcinogenesis in tissues in which cancer commonly occurs in North America. Discussions will focus on new techniques being developed to identify individuals at risk for cancer and new approaches being used to intervene to prevent development of the disease. Prerequisite: BPK (or KIN) 431.

HSCI 775 - Seminar in Molecular Mechanisms of Epigenetics (3)

Discussion of novel and advanced topics in chemical covalent modifications of chromatin that influence gene regulation. Prerequisite: MBB 331 or permission from the instructor.

HSCI 776 - Seminar in Molecular Basis of Drug Action and Environmental Exposure (3)

Topics in molecular biology-based research into pathologies of disease related to drug and environmental exposures will be discussed. Focus on systems pharmacology and the molecular determinants of drug and toxicant action as they relate to gene expression and signal transduction.

HSCI 778 - Seminar in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (3)

Application of modern molecular methods to epidemiological questions. Globally-relevant and emerging infectious diseases will be highlighted. The course will emphasize critical review of the current literature in the field. Prerequisite: BISC 303, 330, MBB 331, or permission from the instructor.

MBB 505 - Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics (3)

The problem-based learning course will develop students' ability to exchange ideas in small groups focused on real but simplified problems in bioinformatics. Problems will be carefully selected to cover multiple areas of bioinformatics research. This is an advanced bioinformatics course that assumes the student has previous bioinformatics training. Prerequisite: MBB 741 or equivalent bioinformatics course (undergraduate or graduate). This course is identical to CMPT 505 and students cannot take both courses for credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Chris Beh
Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, Wed, 3:00–5:00 p.m.

MBB 746 - The Molecular Biology of Cancer (3)

An examination of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tumor formation, the hallmarks of cancer and their relationship to therapeutic strategies.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sharon Gorski
Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
MBB 762 - Human Genomics (3)

The organization of the human genome and the role of genomic variation in health and disease. Genomics and personalized medicine; intellectual property and privacy issues.

ONC 548 - Rotation in Oncology (3)

This course allows students to gain hands-on experience by rotations through specialty laboratories and/or by shadowing clinicians. Students can use the rotation opportunity to learn new techniques and or gain an understanding of the clinical aspects of their research project. The supervisor and supervisory committee create a custom rotation plan for the student. A grade is assigned based on a written report by the student, which is evaluated by the student's supervisory committee. This course can only be taken once, either during an MSc or during a PhD. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a participating graduate program. No specific courses are prerequisites. Permission from instructor required.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD

*Note: Any relevant special topics course from any department may be included upon permission of the IOGS steering committee. Oncology related courses at other institutions may also be used to satisfy the elective requirement. Please consult with the IOGS steering committee for queries regarding course eligibility.