BIO6005 - Cancer Biology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

LO1 - Describe key events and causative factors involved in carcinogenesis.

LO2 - Discuss the relationship between cell cycle dysregulation in carcinogenesis.

LO3 - Demonstrate an understanding of the biochemical and histological classification of neoplasms.

LO4 - Critically evaluate commonly used treatments for different forms of cancer.

Content:

This module builds on previous knowledge gained in cell biology, anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and genetics. You will gain an understanding of the nature of cancer, its causes, epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment. It considers the changes in the cell cycle during carcinogenesis. In addition, the changes in histology during cancer development and the various treatment options for different forms of cancer will be explored. It will examine, in greater depth, some of the most common types of cancer and apply a case study approach to evaluate cancer diagnosis.

The content of this module has been mapped to the IBMS QAA Benchmark requirements for:
- Cellular Pathology (Clinical Laboratory Specialism) includes structure and ultrastructure of normal cells and tissues and the structural changes which may occur during cancers; preparation of cells and tissues for microscopic examination, principles and applications of visualisation and imaging techniques, including microscopy, to aid diagnosis and treatment selection.

- Clinical Biochemistry (Clinical Laboratory Specialism) includes investigation of tumour marker tests, principles and applications of biochemical investigations used for screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of Cancer.

Learning and Teaching Information:

A series of 10 x 2 hr lecture sessions (1 per week) covering the key concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology will be delivered.
A total of 4 x 2 hr laboratory practical sessions, plus 1 x 2 hr computer practical session will be given to introduce students to key biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
A total of 10 x 1 hr tutorials (1 per week) will be provided to support the lecture and practical content, assessments, and general wellbeing.

Lectures
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Practical sessions
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Full Cohort (40)

Tutorials
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: Max 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 110

Further detail relating to assessment

Assessment tasks are designed to measure the extent to which you have satisfied the Level Learning Outcomes for your programme. Some modules, for example where there are professional body (PSRB) requirements, will also test for module-specific skills and knowledge.

Further details of assessment are available in the Assessment Handbook for your programme and in Assessment Briefs provided by Module Tutors.

Post lecture, tutorial and practical session activities submitted through Moodle will facilitate ongoing formative assessment opportunities via lecturer or peer feedback.

The Integrated Data Analysis will be assigned at the beginning of semester 1. You will be informed as to which practical sessions and corresponding subject areas to include in the report. The assessment is based on you answering questions and analysing data generated during each of the selected practical sessions. You will be expected to respond to the questions through self-guided independent study and compile a report for submission in the middle of semester 1.

The Cancer portfolio will be set at the start of Semester 1 and takes the form of annotated bibliography covering five peer reviewed data papers relevant to Cancer Biology. Each paper will be from a list of specified cancers that will be provided at the start of Semester 1. Tutorial sessions will cover annotation of example papers in each of the cancers on a weekly basis, with you advised to annotate a paper of your choice in the specified cancer during guided independent study for that week. The portfolio of all the annotated bibliographies will be collated and will be submitted end of Semester 1.

The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) professional body requires students to achieve a pass mark in all assessment components for modules that cover the clinical laboratory sciences subject areas including this one. Since laboratory practical sessions contribute towards assessments these sessions should be considered compulsory. Condonement/compensation will not be permitted for this module, which contributes significantly to the benchmark statement and has learning outcomes that that cannot be evidenced elsewhere for the accreditation of the degree.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 6
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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