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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of CLS&MIS

Diagnostic Cytopathology - Post Professional

DCYT5310 - Cancer Epidemiology

Course Description

Cancer as a disease impacts the lives of millions globally. This course examines the epidemiology of cancer and its impact on populations here in the United States and world-wide. Topics include measures and estimates of cancer burden in populations , epidemiologic cancer research methods, biology of cancer cells, genetic, occupational, and other cancer risk factors, biomarkers, endogenous and exogenous hormones and various treatment modalities (immunotherapy, hormone, chemotherapy, clinical trials) and the social perspectives of cancer. Concepts of cancer disparities and cancer in vulnerable populations will be discussed throughout the course. The role of cytopathology and other laboratory disciplines in population-based cancer epidemiologic studies will be stressed throughout the course as well. Students will critically analyze the literature related to cancer epidemiology on concepts of research design, conclusions and social impact.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 3

Web-Based Instruction

Cancer Epidemiology provides approximately 147 contact hours of on-line, web-based instruction over a 15-week period. Course faculty will provide instruction on various topics divided into Units. Modes of instruction via internet delivery include online posting of lectures, group discussions, directed study through journal readings and written assignments. Students will communicate with course instructors and class members via the Canvas discussion board and course email system. Students are expected to spend 75 hours between posted lectures and readings, scheduled live classes, and asynchronous discussion with course faculty and classmates plus an additional 72 hours involved in course preparation and assignments, and a term paper over the course of the semester, for an average of 9-12 hours of course activity per week.

Prerequisites

None

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

The goal of this course is to introduce students to concepts and theories associated with cancer epidemiology principles and practices.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe basic concepts and principles associated with epidemiology and the epidemiology of cancer.
2. Discuss cancer occurrence, trends, disparities and social and cultural perspectives among various populations in the US and worldwide.
3. Explain concepts associated with cancer biology, genetics/epigenetics and biomarkers and associated laboratory testing.
4. Explain the various risk factors associated with specific types of cancer development including but limited to occupational exposure, diet, tobacco, infectious diseases, exogenous and endogenous hormones.
5. Describe various cancer treatment modalities including but not limited to immunotherapy, chemotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine, hormonal therapy, precision medicine and enrollment in clinical trials.
6. Critically analyze the literature related to cancer epidemiology with focus on research design, conclusion and impact patients and populations.