This class will examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms that define the biology of cancer. Topics that will be discussed include cancer genetics, the cancer cell profile, the etiology of cancer, cancer invasion, metastasis and dormancy, and cancer treatment/determining actionable targets. Details of these topics will address and emphasize the biological underpinnings of cancer development and progression, as well as current therapeutic approaches. The class will discuss the impact applied/translational research has had in cancer diagnosis as well as the design of novel targeted therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. This class will also review important scientific contributions from the literature.