Course unit details:
Cancer Biomarkers
| Unit code | MEDN66450 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Full year |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
• The concept of cancer biomarker as a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that can be measurable and has linkage to different disease processes (diagnosis, monitoring patient response/treatment, prognosis)
• Different types of cancer biomarkers that are currently being used (circulating, tissue, imaging) and how they are being applied using examples drawn from areas of cancer biology
• Cancer biomarkers derivation and validation and critical insight into the current techniques utilized with pros and cons of various approaches and their clinical application
• The opportunities and challenges for developing new cancer biomarkers in personalized medicine
Aims
The unit will provide understanding on cancer biomarkers and their role in the field of molecular pathology and personalized medicine. It will introduce different types of cancer biomarkers, their benefits and limitations and how they can be used to inform key clinical decision making. Students will learn about cancer biomarkers derivation and validation, linking in with clinical unmet need. They will also explore the current technological approaches and methods that are being used for the development of cancer biomarkers.
Teaching and learning methods
• Classroom based learning
• Interactive group-based sessions
• Online resources (video presentations)
• Independent study
Knowledge and understanding
Students should/will be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of the science and concept underpinning cancer biomarkers relevant to cancer disease and treatment
• Analyse and compare the benefits of tissue, circulating versus imaging cancer biomarkers in the context of clinical use
• Gain critical insights into the current techniques and approaches for cancer biomarker identification and analysis
• Appraise and critique cancer biomarker applications
• Critically evaluate the issues underpinning validation of cancer biomarkers for clinical use
Intellectual skills
Students should/will be able to:
• Draw on learning to make critical judgement on different cancer biomarkers and their application
• Comprehend interrelationship between clinical need and cancer biomarker type
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem-solving strategies related to cancer biomarker discovery
• Critically reflect on current practice to seek new approaches
Practical skills
Students should/will be able to:
• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the field of cancer biomarker development and research
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Students should/will be able to:
• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Participate in collaborative learning and peer support
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 40% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 60% |
Other = Group presentations (journal club): 40%
Feedback methods
Group presentations (Journal Club): Written feedback, based on the marking rubric will be provide 15 working days after submission of the assignment and presentation.
Written Assignment: Written feedback, based on the marking rubric will be provide 15 working days after submission of the written assignment.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Tutorials | 30 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 120 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Elham Santina | Unit coordinator |