Introduction to cell biology and precision medicine

Aims of the course

This course aims to enable you to:

1. Understand the concept of the cell and its discovery;
2. Know and understand the structure of DNA and the different conformations that DNA adopts and become familiar with the factors that influence DNA conformation;
3. Identify the cell cycle phases and the cell cycle control;

Content

The disease of cancer is a major health threat worldwide and is characterised by a multi-step, progressive and evolutionary process where cells in the body grow abnormally. This gradual development is driven by progressive series of changes in the genetic material of the cells. Indeed, a potential change in a gene, commonly referred to as mutation, can lead to aberrant proliferation of cells, leading to cancer. One promising approach towards the great challenge of treating cancer is precision medicine. Precision medicine uses a person's genes, proteins, and environment to diagnose and treat individuals by dividing them into subpopulations that differ in biology, susceptibility, prognosis, and response to a given treatment.

In this course you are going to learn about the key fundamentals of cell biology, beginning with the significance of cells in the human body and progressing all the way to an in-depth look at the structures of RNA and DNA. This will give you a better understanding of how the body works to maintain the life and health of the organism as well as identify what goes wrong in various disorders when cells are malfunctioning. You will also learn about the central dogma of biology and the key concept that genetic information flows unidirectionally and the importance of the genetic code which will also help you obtain knowledge about the basic biology of cancer development and improve your understanding of the cellular mechanisms that lead to it. 

You will become familiar with the genetic code and be able to translate a segment of RNA into a sequence of amino acids and proteins, you will learn about current treatment and precision medicine in oncology and get insights into stages of clinical trials and precision oncology. By the end of the course you will be able to recognise the limitations and the future prospects of precision oncology.

In the last part of the course, you will focus on how personalised medicine is revolutionising as well as understand its limitations and the future prospects. We will specifically look at the current treatments with a focus on precision oncology and gain insight into the stages of clinical trials and historical progression of precision oncology.

Presentation of the course

This course on cell biology and precision medicine will be presented through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.

Lectures: The instructor will give presentations on various topics related to cell biology and precision medicine drawing from the latest research and theories in the field. These lectures may include multimedia components, such as slides, videos, and interactive elements, to engage you and help you better understand the material.

Discussions: You will have the opportunity to engage in small group or whole class discussions about the topics covered in the course. These discussions will be facilitated by the instructor or student leaders, and will provide you with the chance to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences related to precision medicine.

Hands-on activities: The course will also include practical exercises and activities that allow you to apply the concepts you are learning.

Overall, the course will be structured to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of cell biology and precision medicine, and to give you the opportunity to learn about and apply this knowledge to your own life.

Class sessions

1. Introduction to Cell Biology: The major divisions of earth, prokaryotes and eukaryotes and the structural organisation of the human body;
2. The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology and the Discovery of DNA;
3. An Introduction to Genetic Code – Mutations and Clinical Significance;
4. The cell cycle phases and the cell cycle control; the Process of Meiosis and Chromosomal Disorder
5. The Foundations of Cancer Development and Precision Medicine.

Learning outcomes

1. Comprehend how cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems work together to maintain life and health, and identify what goes wrong in various illnesses when cells malfunction;
2. Explain molecular biology's key concept that genetic information flows unidirectionally;
3. Understand the main features of the genetic code and its importance;
4. Be able to identify the different phases of mitosis, meiosis, and cytokinesis, as well as chromosomal diseases;
5. Understand the basic biology of cancer development and the role of precision medicine in oncology.

Required Reading

Links can be fond on the VLE

Fourth Edition: Essential Cell Biology by Alberts, Bray, Hopkin, Johnson, Lewis, Raff, Roberts, and Walter;

The Cell: A Very Short Introduction by Terence Allen and Graham Cowling

DNA | Definition, Discovery, Function, Bases, Facts, & Structure | Britannica

DNA Replication by Sonya Vengrova and Jacob Dalgaard

Chromosome Disorders by Valentine, G.H.

Personalized medicine: Present and future of breast cancer management

Personalised medicine | Cancer information | Cancer Research UK

Personalized Medicine - PMC (nih.gov) Personalized Medicine - PMC (nih.gov)

Typical week: Monday to Friday

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students. 

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.