Cancer Biology

Code School Level Credits Semesters
MGEM2014 Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine 2 20 Spring UK
Code
MGEM2014
School
Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine
Level
2
Credits
20
Semesters
Spring UK

Summary

This module provides an overview of cancer. The content considers the concept of cancer, risk factors for cancer, molecular level changes that occur in cancer, cancer treatment and the prevention of cancer. The laboratory techniques covered will include those used in the diagnosis of cancer in a healthcare setting and in cancer research will be highlighted throughout. Multiple wet and/or dry practical classes will provide students with an understanding of laboratory based skills used in the detection and diagnosis of cancer.  Students will analyse data and compare data to the current peer-reviewed knowledge base.

Target Students

Students on Part I of the BSc in Medical Physiology and Therapeutics.There are a limited number of places on this module.

Classes

Delivery is mainly through a combination of lectures complemented with tutorials and laboratory-based practical classes. Self directed learning will make up the remainder of the module activities.

Assessment

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

The module will: Provide an overview of the wide range of diseases that are referred to as cancer and an appreciation of their impact on society. Enable students to explain what cancer is, how it is caused, the molecular level changes that occur, how it can be treated and how treatments are developed. Provide knowledge of, and with the use of case simulation, instruct students aboutpractical skills andmodern laboratory techniques used in the diagnosis of cancer and in cancer research. Enable students to formulate hypotheses about specific types of cancer and their potential treatments based on their molecular profiles. Enable the development of skills in literature searching,howlaboratory techniques are applied to clinical medicine, and the critical appraisal of data and literature

Learning Outcomes

        Discuss and use the terminology relating to pre-malignant and malignant disease.
 

        Describe the main features which distinguish malignant cells from normal cells.
 

        Describe and compare the cell cycle and cell differentiation in normal and neoplastic eukaryotic cells.
 

        Describe the origin of cancer cell lines (such as those used for in vitro experimentation).
 

        Discuss the roles of the major cell signalling pathways involved in carcinogenesis.
 

        Describe (with reference to specific examples) how molecular level changes are involved in cancer development, and discuss how they can serve as potential targets for cancer treatments.
 

        Discuss some of the main genes involved in cancer, and the concept of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.
 

        Discuss the risk factors associated with the development of cancer.
 

       Understand the concept of genetic epidemiology and its use in cancer research.
 

        Discuss the concepts of, and range of methods involved in, cancer prevention.
 

        Discuss the range of modern lab-based techniques used for the diagnosis and study of cancer and developing new treatments, and outline their benefits and limitations.
 

        Describe the current methods used to treat cancer, their mode of action, applicability, effectiveness and limitations.
 

        Describe the processes by which cancer treatments are developed
 

        Critically appraise original literature relating to cancer.
 

        Interpret data relating the expression of genes or proteins in cancer cells or simulated clinical samples in case studies.
 

        Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse data and literature
 

        Comprehend the use of protein and molecular biology-based laboratory techniques used in cancer research.
 

        Develop an understanding of good laboratory practice, including knowhow associated with safe and competent use of relevant laboratory equipment.
 

        Be aware of relevant health and safety procedures and of the use of COSHH assessment.
 

        Study skills for lifelong learning.
 

        Digital skills associated with literature searching and evaluation for production of coursework     
 

        Digital data analysis and interpretation including graph plotting packages and a critical appraisal of data.
 

        Develop interpersonal and team working skills.
 

        Develop academic writing skills
 

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.