MSc Molecular Pathology of Cancer / Course details

Students will be provided with a list of available research projects and will submit their preferences based on their research interests. Projects can be lab-based, dry, or clinic-based. Throughout the project, each student will be supervised by a project supervisor and will work as part of a research group. The findings will be compiled into a 10-13,000-word dissertation, addressing a specific question within the field of cancer research or oncology. The dissertation must include a concise introduction, a clear description of the methods used, a presentation and analysis of the data, and a logical interpretation and discussion of the findings. The report should be thoroughly referenced and formatted according to the provided guidelines.

The unit aims to:

• help students develop research expertise in a specific area of cancer/oncology reesarch, deepening their knowledge and skills within their chosen field of study.
• enable students to conduct an in-depth examination of a particular topic or research question, demonstrating proficiency in articulating the research question, selecting appropriate methods, collecting and analysing data, and critically evaluating the results.
• provide an opportunity for students to showcase their research and project management skills, culminating in a written report that contributes to their academic development and equips them with transferable skills for a future career.

Throughout the research project, students will have regular individual or small group meetings with their assigned project supervisor, receive guided reading, and focused skills support. Progress will be closely monitored, and regular feedback will be provided. Under supervision, students will conduct laboratory (wet or dry) or clinically based project. Training and mentoring will include regular meetings with the supervisory team and instruction in methods, experimental design, and data interpretation.

The project spans approximately 12 weeks. This is a full-time commitment, requiring students to dedicate five full days per week to the project, except when attending other scheduled taught sessions in the initial phase. The research may be laboratory, computer, or clinically based, and the project location is in the main University or Christie campus.

Feedback on research performance will be provided during formal progress meetings. The research project will culminate in writing journal article and presenting a short presentation or a poster. The journal article should include an abstract, background information, description of materials and methods, results and discussion of results.

Students should/will be able to:

•    Demonstrate a detailed and systematic understanding of a specific area within cancer research or oncology
•    Apply knowledge of appropriate health and safety measures in the workplace
•    Utilize analytical software packages to analyse data and generate figures
•    Critically evaluate research results and discuss their significance within the broader context of the field
•    Theorize how their research contributes to the larger landscape of cancer research/oncology 
•    Understand the ethical considerations and processes involved in conducting research
 

Students should/will be able to:

•    Demonstrate familiarity with the theoretical and practical foundations of research methods and techniques
•    Design effective experiments to investigate a research hypothesis
•    Interpret results and draw well-founded conclusions

Students should/will be able to:

•    Develop and refine research questions and apply appropriate research methods to pursue answers
•    Efficiently tabulate and graphically represent research data
•    Apply appropriate statistical methodologies in the analysis of research data
•    Execute relevant research techniques and methodologies, whether lab-based, bioinformatics, or patient-focused 

Students should/will be able to:

•    Effectively communicate research findings in a range of formats, including oral and written communication
•    Develop independence in planning and implementing tasks
•    Effectively manage time and workload
•    Develop ability to work independently and as a member of a research team 

Journal article - research report written in the style of a journal article with 250-word abstract, and a maximum of 8-10 pages (including figures and tables). Students may include supplementary material as required: 70%

Presentation or poster – presented during the end of project seminar. Marking will be combined peer marking and academic marking: 30% (10% peer review + 20% academic)
 

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