MSc Oncology Research

• Understand the relationship between the immune system, prognosis and treatment outcomes
• Learn about the mechanisms underlying an effective anti-cancer immune response and how to improve efficacy
• Discover ways in which we can use immunotherapy to enhance immune responses to cancer
• Evaluate the principles and applications of targeted therapies in cancer treatment
• Explore the essential research which leads to target identification
• Critically review the types of targeted therapy and the steps to identify candidate patients
• Introduction to novel therapies: gene therapy, cell therapy, and tissue engineering
• Consider how existing drugs might be repurposed for the effective treatment of cancer
• Follow case studies where clinical observations have led to effective treatment strategies

This unit will explore the principles which underpin the rapidly expanding field of Immuno-Oncology and other targeted therapies. You will gain a solid understanding from our experts on the methodologies and how cutting edge, translational research contributes directly to clinical decision making. Through increased understanding of this crucial partnership between research and clinical practise, you will also develop the skills and insights to explore ways to repurpose existing drugs to target new tumour types and learn about novel approaches. You will gain critical insights into the types of targeted therapy and new medical products that use gene therapy, cell therapy and tissue engineering.

Students' learning for the taught element of this course unit is 100% online (distance learning). There will be a combination of online materials provided that students must engage with, including podcasts, videos, lectures and interviews. Students will be able to complete diverse online tasks to monitor and evidence their achievement of the learning objectives. Students will also learn through engaging in directed and independent wider reading. Whilst the majority of this unit will be accessible in an asynchronous manner increasing the agility and flexibility of learning, there will be opportunities to interact with Unit leads and peers during synchronous teaching sessions. We will use online tools to facilitate peer-peer interaction and small group activities.

An important differentiating element of this course unit is the students' requirement to keep a reflective learning journal which will create their portfolio of knowledge enabling direct reference and integration into clinical or research practise. Students will make notes on their day-to-day experiences of key aspects learned within the unit. Through this, they will learn to be present in and conscious of their practice, which will inform their assessment and provide a practice-based context for their learning and assessment.

Students should/will be able to:

• Describe the immune system and how it can be utilised in cancer treatment
• Explain the relationship between the immune system and prognosis
• Outline the principles of targeted therapy
• Define the process from discovery to novel therapy

Students should/will be able to:

• Demonstrate reasoned arguments for the development of novel therapies
• Critically appraise the challenges presented by immunotherapy
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving regarding treatment selection based on clinical evidence
• Appraise current strategies for tumour specific therapies

Students should/will be able to:

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the development of medical products
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Students should/will be able to:

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance

Other = Online tests (MCQs): 30%

Feedback will be provided within the required timeframes.