Cancer Biology (P01369)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-P01369

The study of cancer encompasses a broad spectrum of approaches, from the analysis of basic molecular mechanisms to the psychosocial factors relating to therapeutic and preventative strategies. The aim of this course is to provide an integrated introduction to this area of work.

There is much evidence from both human and mouse studies of what genetic changes are involved in tumour evolution and progression. These may involve the activation of proto-oncogenes to oncogenes or the inactivation of tumour suppressor genes. While activating mutations in proto-oncogenes are almost invariably found as somatic mutations, inactivating mutations in tumour suppressor genes may be inherited in the germline, giving rise to familial cancer syndromes. Environmental agents also play an important role in tumourigenesis and in many cases susceptibility to these agents is a function of the genetic constitution of the patient at one or more loci, so that genetic information is vital in informing preventative strategies. The efficacy of many of the therapeutic drugs used in cancer treatment depends both upon the genetic constitution of the patient and the somatic genetic changes that have given rise to the tumour. Furthermore, a number of approaches to cancer treatment are under development that can be classed as gene therapy, involving either the correction of gene mutations or the genetic modification of tumour cells to enable them to be selectively destroyed.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Life Sciences, (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The purpose of this mini project is to ascertain that students:
- have a thorough knowledge of the relevant literature, can make a critical appraisal of the key material in it and can place their own proposed project in its context,
- can accurately report the work already done and its significance.

Assessment Information

Students will produce a report at the end of the mini-project for assessment in the form of a scientific paper (no more than 5 000 words) to provide practice in accurate and concise writing. The miniproject report should be prepared to high standard. Student will also be asked to include in this report a brief critique, spelling out the strengths and weaknesses of the project design or experimental approach.