Module overview
This module is designed to provide an overview of the cellular and molecular biology of cancer and will run alongside the Immunology module in semester 1 to provide the foundations for the cancer immunology and immunotherapy module in semester 2. As a multidisciplinary field, this module will provide a basic introduction to cell biology before exploring how dysregulation in cellular processes and genetic variation results in tumour formation, and the landscape of current diagnostics and conventional treatments.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explain the role of aberrant cell signaling in cancer development and progression.
- Critically evaluate and discuss how cancer is detected and treated.
- Define the relationship between cell cycle regulation and cancer.
- Describe how genetic and non-genetic factors regulate metastasis and therapy resistance.
Syllabus
This module provides a comprehensive overview of key themes within the cancer biology field and details the foundation knowledge required for understanding cancer formation, development and progression. The first part of this module will focus on cellular and molecular regulatory processes under normal conditions, before building upon this knowledge by exploring the hallmarks of cancer, gaining insight into the traits that drive malignancy. The second part of this module will examine the molecular, genetic and epigenetic basis of cancer in more detail, as well as how cancer cells evolve and interact within the tumour microenvironment. Finally, students will investigate current conventional therapies, tumour resistance and relapse following therapy.
Themed topics for this module may include:
- Cell cycle control, metabolism and apoptosis
- Hallmarks of cancer
- Cellular, molecular and genetic basis of cancer
- Tumour microenvironment
- Cancer evolution, invasion and metastasis
- Molecular diagnostics
- Conventional cancer treatment
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will comprise intensive teaching, interspersed with periods of independent study. A variety of learning and teaching methods will be adopted to promote a wide range of skills and meet the differing learning styles of the group.
The teaching will include lectures, seminars, discussions and exercises surrounding interpretation of data and clinical scenarios, and specialist lectures given by a range of academic and health care professionals. This will ensure a breadth and depth of perspective.
Students will also be encouraged to participate in small group workshops by preparing resources and questions for peers, directing content and themes of the small group sessions, the opportunity for self and peer assessment as part of formative feedback, as well as reflecting on how they regulate their own learning and response to feedback.
Off-site independent learning will take place on the virtual learning environment hosted by the UoS.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 120 |
| Teaching | 30 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Workshop activities
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 75% |
| Individual Oral Presentation | 25% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 100% |