Syllabus database for doctoral courses
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Syllabus database for doctoral courses
SYLLABI FOR DOCTORAL COURSES
Swedish title | Tumörers mikromiljö |
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English title | Tumor Microenvironment |
Course number | 5232 |
Credits | 1.5 |
Responsible KI department | Institutionen för onkologi-patologi |
Specific entry requirements | Basic course in tumor biology and oncology or corresponding knowledge |
Grading | Passed /Not passed |
Established by | The Committee for Doctoral Education |
Established | 2021-03-11 |
Purpose of the course | The purpose of the course is to provide:
-A systematic overview on the cellular, structural and chemical composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) -A platform for scientific discussions on how differences in the tumor microenvironment can influence tumor progression and therapy response -Practice in what to consider when selecting a relevant TME model system and how to analyze the tumor microenvironment ex vivo and in vivo -A context for reflection on advances and challenges with existing and future TME-targeting therapies |
Intended learning outcomes | After completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- Describe the main cellular and acellular components of the TME - Discuss principal mechanisms of TME communication - Systematically identify and compare properties of different TMEs and their clinical impact - Critically evaluate different methods and model systems for TME studies and motivate their use from a context-dependent perspective (level of complexity, ethics, clinical relevance, etc) |
Contents of the course | The course content is structured as follows:
-Components of the TME are introduced (cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, immune cells, ECM and associated factors etc). Processes like angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are discussed together with conditions like hypoxia and acidosis. -TME properties are related to malignant growth, invasion, metastasis, and response to therapy from a clinical perspective. The specific TME of selected tumor types will be further studied in depth according to the participants´ interest. -Model systems and tools for TME studies are presented (organoids, digital image analysis etc.). |
Teaching and learning activities | The course consists of lectures, group work and discussions, literature search, and a hands-on demonstration of digital image analysis using clinical tissue samples. TME characteristics of different tumor types will be explored by problem-based learning (starting from a clinical case). The course is designed to stimulate interactive learning. Digital platforms like Canvas and Zoom will be used and internet connection is therefore needed. |
Compulsory elements | All parts of the course are mandatory and require full attendance. Absence must be compensated for by other activities (after discussion with the course organizer). |
Examination | The course assignments consist of:
(1) Daily Canvas quiz in groups (formative assessment) (2) Oral group presentation (3) Essay, 1 page (summative assessment) |
Literature and other teaching material | Pre-selected articles for discussions, PubMed-indexed articles of own choice for the group assignment/problem-based learning, QuPath (free open source software) | Course responsible |
Monika Ehnman Institutionen för onkologi-patologi Monika.Ehnman@ki.se |
Contact person |
Charlotte Rolny Institutionen för onkologi-patologi charlotte.rolny@ki.se |