Course overview
This course aims to engender the students with a comprehensive and detailed working knowledge of the nature of cancer and the biology behind the induction and propagation of the disease, the different techniques used for the diagnosis of cancer, and the current and experimental therapies used for the treatment of the disease. The biology and genetics of cells and organisms. The nature of cancer. Tumour viruses. Cellular oncogenes. Growth factors and their receptors. Cytoplasmic signalling circuitry. Tumour suppressor genes. Rb and control of the cell cycle. p53 and apoptosis. Cell immortalisation and tumourigenesis. Multistep tumourigenesis. Genomic integrity and the development of cancer. Heterotypic interactions and the biology of angiogenesis. Invasion and metastasis. Small animal models of cancer. Histological, molecular and genetic diagnostics. Surgery. Medical and radiation oncology. Pharmacogenomics in medical oncology. Experimental therapeutics (monoclonal antibodies, STI's, angiogenesis, immunotherapy, gene therapy, stem cells).
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of cancer, the role of various agents in the induction and propagation of the disease, and the molecular basis of the mode of action of these agents.
- Apply this knowledge to the medical sciences, in particular to how a fundamental understanding of the nature, induction and propagation of cancer can be used in the design of future diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Identify and critically analyse the relevant current literature in cancer biology.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 54509
Section LE01
Size 20
Available 19
Class number 54508
Section SE01
Size 20
Available 19
Class number 54507
Section TU01
Size 20
Available 19
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.