Cancer Genomics

Language of instruction

English

Course content

This course will provide broad understanding of aspects of cancer genome biology and their investigation by next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Methods for analysing DNA variation and structure and RNA expression patterns will be covered, as well as nuclear and chromatin structure. Also ethical, legal aspects, and hereditary predisposition will be taught.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing this course the candidate should have:

Knowledge regarding

• What kinds of mutations may predispose for, contribute to, or appear during cancer development
• How these variants can be detected by NGS methods and be analysed bioinformatically
• How to employ these methods to stratify patients both diagnostically and therapeutically
• The different implications of the same aberrations depending on tissue type
• Ethical and legal regulations regarding genetic analyses of patient samples

Skills

• Can formulate problems, select methods and plan NGS analyses on samples from cancer patients
• Be able to assess the expediency and application of different NGS methods in cancer diagnostics and research
• To know the contact points for NGS analysis and data storage and analysis in Bergen
• Be able to communicate relevant literature and methods concerning cancer genomics

General Competency

• Be able to evaluate how knowledge about genome aberrations can help in understanding tumor biological mechanisms and as a guide to improved diagnosis, targeted treatment and follow up of cancer patients.

Study period

Once per year (spring). The next course will be held spring 2022.

Credits (ECTS)

3 ECTS (50-60 hours student work time)

Course registration and deadlines

Registration through this link.

Pre-requirements

Master's degree or equivalent education level is required, with the exception of students on the Medical Student Research Programme.

Recommended previous knowledge

Medical or health related educational background or PhD project related to medical / health related research. Basic knowledge of cancer and cell biology is required.

Part of training component

Recommended as part of the training component for all candidates affiliated with the Research School for Cancer Studies (RSCS)

Form of assessment

To pass the course, the candidate must:

• Prepare questions upfront of the course
• Participate during at least 90% of the course
• Prepare for and actively participate in the group work
• Submit a written one-page group work assignment

Grading scale:

Pass / Fail

Course overlap

No

Who may participate

The course is primarily intended for PhD candidates who are affiliated with the Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), but is also open to other students, PhD candidates and students at the Medical Student Research Program.

Programme

3 full days with lectures and seminars

Group discussions with individual presentations

Reading curriculum (see mandatory reading)

Contact

Course coordinator

Rebecca Nguyen

rebecca.nguyen@uib.no

Administration

Kjetil Utvik Harkestad

kjetil.harkestad@uib.no

Academic responsibility

Liv Cecilie Thomsen

Erling Høivik

Course coordinator

Rebecca Nguyen

Lecturers

TBA

Reading list

The literature curriculum can be found through this link.filesender.uninett.no/download.php?token=dc8afd10-d4ac-4ad2-a22e-e5a36cee0e9f&files_ids=965528vedlegg.uib.no/?id=defee1dc82e13a53d39c5e84295f3707tjinfo.uib.no/Vedlegg?id=032c7e6e13b3a0f70ceda2966e94163b

Course location

Bergen