Immunity, Infection and Cancer (I2C) builds on your foundational courses, MCP and SP. You will apply the knowledge and skills you gained in those courses in the context of disease. The resources below are meant as refreshers for key information and concepts needed in I2C, both before and during the course. This is not an exhaustive list of the things you need to know in the course. It is meant to provide you with a framework and reference points for extending your current knowledge in the course.
Please note that many resources are listed below. For most topics, an overview reading and an in depth reading are provided as well as a video. This is meant to give you options in how you review these concepts. You are not expected to review them all. Pre-work for each individual session will provide more depth for the information to be covered in that session.
Both infectious processes and cancer are dependent on a variety of foundational science principles that you have previously discussed. Specifically, understanding of the fields of medical microbiology, immunology and cancer requires knowledge of the biochemistry, genetics, cell biology and molecular biology of both humans as well as the various pathogens that people may encounter. The resources below focus on fundamental biological principles involved in understanding both infectious and non-infectious disease.
Cell Biology: A key feature of many disease processes is the alteration of cellular functions. It is useful to review the structure and function of the cell in normal conditions.
Molecular Genetics: The process by which information in DNA is turned into proteins is key for several subtopics we will address in I2C. The details of the mechanisms of DNA Replication, RNA transcription and RNA translation are important to viral replication as all viruses rely on host cell machinery. Additionally, multiple antiviral drugs and antibiotics target steps in these processes. Finally, the alterations within these processes lead to cancerous cells.
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In I2C, you will consider the immunological responses to specific infectious organisms and neoplasias. You will also consider immunological disorders such as autoimmune disease and immunodeficiencies. As such, it is important to review the fundamentals of immunology discussed in MCP.
Feel free to review any and all materials from MCP regarding immunology.
I2C provides an introduction to microbiology within the context of disease. The textbook below is meant for you to access if you would like more detailed descriptions of basic microbiology. It is not required that you read all of this textbook.
In MCP you learned the molecular and genetic basis of cancer. We will extend that education to specific cancers of the blood, lymph system, skin, bone and soft tissue. The resources below provide brief reviews of the topics covered in MCP. You may wish to refer to your resources from that course for more detailed information as needed.
The following SP sessions touch concepts used throughout I2C.
