2. The Central Question: What is a tumor? Why does it happen?

• Damage to DNA is the key reason for a neoplasm, the technical name for a tumor.
• If the DNA code is altered, its expressed protein product could be destroyed.
• Proteins that accelerate or slow down cell division can cause cancers when destroyed.

3. How we will study this subject:

•Introductory readings from college-level texts & primary literature about cancer genetics
•Studies of the Human Genome Project and its potential for elucidating causes of cancer
•Explorations of treatments and cures for cancer described in the primary literature
•Laboratory work underscoring the clinical and molecular basis for understanding cancer

4. The Final Project - Each student will explore the following aspects of one defective gene that causes cancer:

•The normal gene
•The nature of damage to it
•The disease associated with the damage
•A proposal for targeted treatment of the disease based upon current research

5. Prerequisites and Requirements: Cumulative Stuyvesant H.S. grade point average of 80% or better. Successful completion of Biology Living Environment SL1 and SL2 or equivalents. Offered to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12. Spring term only.

6. Grading Policy and Assessments: 50% Exams, 25% Final Project, 15% Daily oral class participation (including special assignments) and Lab reports, 10% Homework assignments.