NBIK12011U Ion Transport in Cancer

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Molecular Biomedicine
MSc Programme in Biology
MSc Programme in Biochemistry
Content
The course aims to introduce the students to the hallmarks of cancer, and in particular to the emerging field of ion transport dysfunction in cancer, while at the same time providing them with competencies within scientific debate, research project planning, and manuscript writing.

The course consists of: (A) Overview lectures Tuesday and Thursday mornings on the roles and therapeutic potential of selected ion channels and transporters in cancer development, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance, given by the course teachers and distinguished international guest lecturers. (B) Colloquia: Week 1-3: Discussions with the lecturers of the week, based on reading of original literature and group preparation of questions. Week 4-5: Research project planning: groups of students are given a research problem, design a series of experiments to address it, and present and defend their project. Week 6-7: Groups of students are given a simple dataset, over which they write a brief research paper, under instructor guidance.
Learning Outcome
Knowledge:
  • Understand and explain the overall hallmarks of cancer and the mechanisms through which dysregulation of ion transporters and channels contribute to these


Skills:

  • Analyze, interpret and evaluate experimental data obtained from cell biological research
  • Prepare and present a detailed research plan for a given research question
  • Prepare a brief manuscript within the course subject matter, based on a dataset provided


Competencies:

Engage in scientific debate in English with international experts in the field, placing the knowledge obtained in the course in a broader perspective

Literature
See Absalon.
This course is intended for Molecular Biomedicine, Biology, and Biochemistry students at the Master’s level, as well as for external students with a similar level of knowledge in cell biology.
Students must have a solid basic knowledge in cell biology corresponding to the Bachelor level. A non-mandatory introductory “necessary background” double lecture will be given to bring all students to the same level.
Overview lectures and colloquia.
The course is given in English, regardless of whether international students are attending.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Colloquia
  • 21
  • Guidance
  • 4
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 66
  • Project work
  • 87
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination
Part of the course, in form of 2 written assignments. In total ~60 h.
Grading is based on 50% on Research project (based on the project and its oral presentation) and 50% on the manuscript (based on the written assignment only, no oral presentation).
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam
Oral, based on reading of an original article that is handed out to the student 2 h before the examination.
Criteria for exam assesment

The exam will be evaluated based on the ability of the students to fulfill the criterias described under "Learning Outcome".