Molecular (Onco)pathology

Content

MOLECULAIRE (ONCO) PATHOLOGIE

Studiepunten: 7,5                                                                    Cursuscode: BMW32607
Coördinator: Dr. ir. W.W.J. de Leng en dr. C. Moelans        Periode: 2 en 3
Examinator: Dr. ir. W.W.J. de Leng en dr. C. Moelans         Timeslot: AD (Periode 2)
E-mailadres 1: W.W.J.deLeng@umcutrecht.nl                     Timeslot: BC (Periode 3)
E-mailadres 2: C.B.Moelans@umcutrecht.nl                        Niveau: 3
Tel.nr.: 088 - 755 7058                                                         
                               
 
Content:
During this course, the student will get acquainted with the latest developments in the (diagnostic) molecular pathology (both in theory and in practice) and will gain insight in the molecular biological concepts of different malignancies. Specific themes will be used to describe the entire process from obtaining tissues until diagnosis. Histological and immunohistochemical techniques will be discussed, but the focus will be on molecular pathological approaches/techniques (e.g. (next generation) sequence analysis, RNA sequencing (based) techniques, SNP/methylation arrays etc.). The execution and analysis of these techniques by the students will be an important aspect of this course, as well as writing a scientific report. The course will start with a general introduction in molecular pathology and accompanying genetic aspects, followed by genetic and epigenetic aspects of tumorigenesis.


Requirements for admission:
Students are recommended to have basic knowledge of cell biology, immunology, molecular biology and pathology.

Entry requirements:
You must meet the following requirements:

• Enrolled for a degree program of the faculty Faculty of Medicine
• Enrolled for one of the following degree programs
• Biomedical Sciences, Bachelor, full-time

Learning outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding
 Upon completion of this block, the student will be able to:

• name the main principles of molecular pathology;
• justify the application of molecular pathological analyses;
• describe the role of molecular pathology in modern tumor diagnostics (personalized medicine

Skills
The student is able to:

•  independently perform and interpret some molecular techniques and analyses in practice, taking into account quality controls;
• in addition to molecular analysis of specific malignancies, be able to describe them and on this basis be able to select from the latest available diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches; process research results in article form and lab journal

Attitudes
Upon completion of this block, the student will have an awareness of:
• the ethical aspects/problems associated with the acquisition of molecular pathology data and its possible future (prognostic) consequences for the patient.


Teaching forms and contact time:
There will be 6 introductory lectures, 2 practical trainings including demonstrations (3-4 hours), and a seminar (2 hours) every two weeks. During the seminars, the students will present a number of diseases by discussing a case or an article, during which the experimental approach for the molecular pathological analysis will be most important. Furthermore, students will analyse FISH and NGS results for instance.
Total contact time is approximately 40%.

Method(s) of testing:
The participation during the seminars and practical sessions will be assessed by the teachers (5%). The results of two practical components of the course must be written as an article. The processing of practical data into a readable article is an important part of the course (45%). In addition, a short report must be made of 1 practical component (5%), and the actions and results during the practicals will be recorded in a lab journal (5%). Finally, there will be a digital final assessment (40%) consisting of multiple choice questions and open questions. The student has to get a grade of at least 5.0 for each of these individual assessments and the final mark must be at least a 5.5. 

Books:
There is no book required. Most of the background literature will be handed out during the course, but
recommended: In Dutch: Moleculaire Diagnostiek (2nd edition), edited by E. van Pelt-Verkuil en W.B. van Leeuwen (ISBN 978-90-77423-95-0). In English: Diagnostic Molecular Pathology in Practice, edited by I. Schrijver (ISBN 978-3-642-19676-8)
Recommended reference book for basic knowledge in pathology:
Robbins and Cotran "Pathologic Basis of Disease" by Kumar, Abbas and Fausto, 7th edition (ISBN: 0-7216-0187.1)