Once described as the “Emperor of all Maladies,” cancer kills over 20,000 people every day worldwide. Despite the widespread impact of this disease, most people have little more than a basic idea of the workings of cancer. Did you know that cancer affects one in two men and one in three women in the United States? Or, that cases of skin cancer due to indoor tanning exceed cases of lung cancer due to smoking? Want to learn why taller women are more likely to get cancer? It’s about time that everyone knows a little something about cancer. If you are fascinated by this disease and want to learn the science behind it, enroll in Cancer 101!

This course aims to present students with a broad scientific overview of human cancer. The material includes an introduction to various common types of cancer, some of the complex causes of tumorigenesis, a broad overview of the process of drug trials, and a few current therapies and prevention methods available to cancer patients. The first half of the class will be spent lecturing about the biological aspects of Cancer while the second half will be dedicated to discussions about current developments and controversial issues on topics relevant to the lecture. Regular classes will also occasionally be interspersed with guest presentations by researchers specific to certain areas in the field of cancer.

Prerequisite: High School Biology

Attendance is mandatory. One unexcused absence is allowed, but more than one will result in loss of participation grade. Two “tardies” will result in an unexcused absence. Attendance will be marked at the beginning of class, and you are required to stay for the entirety of the lecture/discussion.