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SL40132: The molecular biology and treatment of cancer (PA40157)

[Page last updated: 26 October 2023]

Academic Year: 2023/24
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • PA40157 Examination (EX 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit, the student should be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the disease process in cancer and the complexity of its treatment, to evaluate critically this knowledge in order to resolve conflicting issues and thus identify and analyse rational treatment protocols.


Aims: To familiarise the student with recent advances in molecular and cellular processes underlying tumour development and its treatment.

Skills: Scientific skills (T/F/A)
Study skills, handling information, working with others (T/F)
Problem solving (T/F)

Content: Epidemiological studies of cancer and a recognition of how this approach retains validity. Chemical mutagenesis. Cell biology of tumour development including apoptosis, oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. The molecular mechanisms of action of the major classes of drugs currently in use and their shortcomings. Active and passive immunotherapy. Then either the clinical or research setting; palliative or curative treatment, relationship to surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, risk-benefit analysis. CRM Guidelines on safe handling of cytotoxic agents.

Course availability:

SL40132 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Chemistry
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biochemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Chemistry stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USSC-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) (Year 4)
  • USSC-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USSC-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement (Year 5)
Department of Life Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.