Cancer and Molecular and Cellular Biology

Postgraduate Open Event

Join us online for our Postgraduate Open Event - Wednesday 26 October to find out more about our taught programmes and discover why you should study your Masters with us.

This module covers cell and molecular biology relevant to cancer, including: - The processes of carcinogenesis and DNA damage - The key cellular and molecular processes affected in tumour development - Key proteins and pathways regulating cell proliferation and cell death - A broader concept of malignancy and its nvironment - Processes involved in invasion and metastasis.

This module will provide teaching in pharmacology relevant to the treatment of malignant disease, including: The basic concepts of cancer chemotherapy; Practical and theoretical aspects of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; The basic clinical and molecular pharmacology of the major classes of anti-cancer agents; Novel cancer therapies using small molecules.

On completion of this module you will have detailed knowledge on the principles and practice of drug development at all stages of the development process, including: Ethical and good practice issues; What a therapeutic target is; How novel therapeutic targets are identified; How therapeutic targets are validated; Early clinical trials methodology.

This module will provide an understanding of the science behind the biological therapies of cancer, and an up-to-date review of the current status of preclinical and clinical trials. The module will also provide an insight into the ways that laboratory research is translated into clinical trials. By the end of the module you will be able to: Understand the basis of biological therapy of cancer; Understand the role of non-malignant cells and mediators in cancer growth and progression

To provide an understanding of the principles band practice of molecular diagnosis in the detection and management of disease - To provide an understanding of quality assurance issues in the diagnostic setting - To give examples of the use of current molecular techniques in the management of disease - To provide practical experience of molecular techniques.

This module provides an opportunity to further develop and apply skills learned during the taught modules by undertaking an independent, critical study and evaluation of an approved and relevant topic, typically within an active research group either within the Institute or at a partner organisation. The specific nature of each dissertation will be determined through discussions between the student, the course director and the project supervisor but will involve applying analytical, investigative and communication skills and utilizing a range of research methods and tools.

The module covers the techniques and knowledge needed to critically appraise published research, and carry out a piece of original research. Topics include: - How to review and interpret published research - How to structure and write a research paper or lab write up - Learn and use a range of statistical methodology - The ethical and legislative framework in which research is undertaken - Training in data preparation and presentation

The module gives the students hands-on experience of key lab techniques and the principles of how to interpret the findings. Techniques include: Skills in measuring accurately using pipetttes, weighing scales Mathematical laboratory skills Immunochemistry Tissue Culture RNA1 extraction and analysis RT-PCR DNA purification, analysis and cloning Flow cytometry

The project is a core component of the Masters courses. It is a substantial piece of full-time independent work which occupies the final three months of the course, running approximately from end of April/beginning of May to end of July. A 5,000 word project describing the work must be submitted by a deadline at the end of July, and an oral presentation (12 minutes + 8 minutes questions) is assessed by at least two members of BCI faculty. Students can start some preparation work earlier; May is the latest it can start. The project is undertaken by the student; it is not done by the supervisor on the studentآ؟s behalf. Projects are demanding and involve spending all your hours on the subject, however students learn a huge amount in the process and it really gives them a very good idea about the process of research. Very successful students have in the past stayed on to do higher degrees (PhD) and more. Supervisors and students are also given guidance as to the expectation of their role.

This module will provide detailed teaching on the principles and interpretation of large scale genomic and proteomic approaches to cancer, including: - The application of genomic technology - The working principles of expression array and genotype array technology - The principles of bio-statistical analysis of genomic data - The advantages and limitations of the various genomic approaches described - The use of proteomic approaches in studying cancers.

This module will provide an understanding of population-based studies and methodology used in cancer epidemiology, focusing on the value of these approaches in cancer prevention and in the design and evaluation of screening programmes. Topics covered include: - The major environmental causes of cancer and their contribution to cancer worldwide - The potential for reducing cancer incidence - The role of screening in cancer control - The prospects for the chemoprevention of cancer in the next ten years.

The module will provide an intense and comprehensive overview of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, from disease aetiology to novel treatments, and aims to equip the student with a fundamental understanding of the subject area. Topics covered include: - The aetiology of paediatric leukaemia and selected paediatric solid tumours - The molecular aspects of selected paediatric cancers, and how understanding the genetic basis of such cancers has improved molecular diagnostic techniques - The principles of paediatric cancer therapy, from past to present, including novel targeted therapies - The treatment of cancer in adolescent patients.

This module will introduce the student to the terminology of pathology and histology, and describe the pathological processes of tumour development. It will also introduce students to the vital role that imaging plays in all aspects of the management of patients with cancer, including different imaging technologies, their application, and risks to the patient. Teaching will be delivered as lectures, microscopy sessions and powerpoint presentation of images.