Teaching code

4S003673

Teacher

Vincenzo Corbo

Coordinator

Vincenzo Corbo

Credits

6

Language

English

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

MED/08 - PATHOLOGY

Period

1st semester dal Oct 1, 2025 al Jan 30, 2026.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

This highly interactive course is designed to deliver basic knowledge in molecular oncology as well as innovative experimental approaches to the study of cancer. The specific aim of the class is to provide the student with the means (technological and methodological) to design and execute appropriate experimental approaches to the identification of relevant processes contributing to cancer development and maintenance. For this purpose, the educational format will be based on a series of lessons that will be primarily focused on the description of various aspect of the tumorigenic process, followed by direct interactions based on the students’ presentation of research articles that have changed the oncology field. After attending the class, participants will be able to identify relevant problems related to the field of molecular oncology as well as to distinguish best-fit approaches to solve biological questions. Through the use of journal club the students will also improve their scientific communication skills.

Prerequisites and basic notions

There are no specific prerequisites to be admitted to the course

Program

For a total of 24 lessons, the following topics will be presented and discussed:
1-The Hallmark of Cancer
2-The morphological and molecular classification of tumors
3-DNA damage mechanisms
4-Viral and cellular oncogenes
5-Growth factors, receptors and cancer
6-Tumor suppressors and Knudson theory
7-TP53
8-Genomic instability and mechanisms of mutagenesis
9-Epigenetic mechanisms active in cancer
10-Mechanisms of cell death
11-Multistep tumorigenesis
12-Evolutionary theories of cancer
13-Cellular plasticity
14-Invasion
15-Metastasis
16-Cancer metabolism
17-Immune and stromal microenvironment
18-Overview of anticancer therapies
19-Mechanisms of resistance to anticancer therapies
20-Conclusions of the Course

Didactic methods

The class will include fontal lessons and discussion with the students of specific research studies using journal club format. Teaching material will be provided to the students in the classroom.

Learning assessment procedures

The final exam will be a written test consisting primarily of closed-ended questions and some open-ended questions covering the entire course. The written exam lasts one hour. Students will have the option of completing the exam with an optional oral exam. Upon request, students will be given the opportunity to take mid-term exam approximately halfway through the course. The exam will follow the same procedures as the final exam but will only cover a portion of the program. For students taking the mid-term exam, the final exam will be limited to the remaining portion of the program.

Evaluation criteria

During the final assessment, the evaluation includes students’ basic knowledge of the topic. and their active participation in the course, in particular during journal club activities.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale, and results are communicated via the university portal. The grade is determined by students’ performance on the assessments and by active participation in the course, including through the journal club format.

Exam language

English

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