MSc Genomic Medicine

This unit will provide a broad based knowledge of molecular pathology in the context of the pathogenesis of neoplastic diseases, and in the context of routine and emerging diagnostic practice. The lectures will be delivered by a range of clinical and non-clinical academic staff, many of whom are internationally recognised experts in their field.

To equip students with an advanced knowledge of molecular pathology and an understanding of the application of new technologies in the diagnosis and management of cancer.

The course contains 18 hours of lectures.

1. A basic understanding of the control of the cell cycle, cell proliferation and cell death. 

2. An understanding of the definition of malignancy and be able to criticise the definition. 

3. A knowledge of the genetic repair mechanisms.  

4. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, and how changes within genes of various categories may result in an altered phenotype. 

5. An understanding of the differences between transformation and malignancy. 

6. An understanding of the molecular basis for the known risk factors for tumours, such as viral infections and environmental carcinogens.  

7. A knowledge of familial cancer and its molecular basis.  

8. An understanding of the molecular basis of tumour growth, angiogenesis, tissue invasion and metastasis.  

9. An understanding of tumour classification systems  

10. An understanding of the role of pathology in cancer diagnosis, molecular sub-classification, assessment of aggressiveness (prognosis), and characterisation of metastases  

11. An appreciation that the therapeutic approach to neoplasia is based on an understanding of the differences between normal and malignant cells, the mechanisms of tumour growth and progression, and the host reaction.  

12. An understanding of the importance of sample quality for tumour genomic analysis 

13. An understanding of genomic testing of cell free tumour DNA in blood, for diagnosis and monitoring of solid cancers  

14. An understanding of the role of companion diagnostics  

15. An understanding of the methods available for monitoring disease following treatment (medical, surgical or bone marrow transplant)

Students will know how molecular pathology is presently applied to routine clinical diagnostic practice, and gain insight into how neoplastic conditions are investigated at a molecular level, as well as understanding how new technologies are being introduced into diagnostic pathology.

Students will be able to understand how molecular pathology can be applied to clinical care in the context of diagnostic pathology.

Multiple choice question exam 50% Written assignment (inc essay) 50%

Formative and summative feedback will be given on the written assignment and the final MCQ exam

Includes but is not limited to:

 The Biology of Cancer, by Robert Weinberg 2013, published by Garland Science