The module will train you in molecular oncology, with an emphasis on how scientific advances are translated into clinical practice for patient benefit.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate phenotypic behaviours of a cancer cell using knowledge of cellular functions, in order to identify possible points of therapeutic intervention.
2. Critically analyse, evaluate and align altered oncogene/tumour suppressor gene functions, DNA repair mechanisms and cellular processes to the pathological consequences for the patients.
3. Understand the role of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms in cancer development.
4. Critically appraise discovery pathways for new diagnostic and prognostic cancer biomarkers.
5. Analyse signalling pathways likely to become novel therapeutic targets in the near future.
Learning and teaching throughout this module is designed and delivered by research-active scientists to ensure that teaching is informed by the latest research and best evidence. Teaching will be delivered in the form of lectures and tutorials. The subject of each tutorial will be based on the corresponding lectures, and student will lead the discussion during the tutorial sessions.
This module will use two assessment approaches: Formative: Tutorials have a formative purpose and will provide students with a reference for the level expected in the examinations. Summative: It will comprise two essays. Essay 1: to be held on week 6mid-semester, covering the introductory block. This assessment comprises 40% of the final module mark. Essay 2: to be held on week 14 at the end of the semester, covering the cancers-specific blocks. This assessment comprises 60% of the final module mark.