MSc Oncology Research

• Appreciate the underlying complexity of the human genome and how it can contribute to increased risk of developing certain cancers
• Consider how genetics might impact treatment success
• Critique the current methodologies used in genomic medicine
• Explore the implications of underlying health issues on choosing the correct cancer therapy
• Investigate how pre-existing conditions can bring additional complications when predicting outcome
• Case study diabetes and cancer: what do we do and what can we do?
• Learn how underlying molecular characteristics can impact on treatment success
• Introduction to using real world data to review patients characteristics and define treatment
• Explore the influence of lifestyle choices on treatment success and long-term survival

This unit will provide an appreciation of the underlying complexity of individual tumours and an understanding that every patients' cancer experience and treatment journey is different. Through consideration of a patients' heritage, environmental exposure and the presence of pre-existing illness, you will learn the potential impact on stage at diagnosis and subsequent treatment options. You will gain critical insights into the importance of treating each cancer case as unique as we build towards precision medicine.

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 different methodological approaches used to explore genomic medicine
• Explain the relationship between genetic profiling and treatment options
• Understand genetic predisposition to common cancers
• Gain a broad understanding of co-morbidity in cancer patients

Students should/will be able to:

• Evaluate the importance of understanding genetic diversity
• Critically appraise the challenges presented by co-morbidity
• Reflect on the key issues of cancer prevention and lifestyle choices
• Understand the limitations of current models used in molecular cancer research

Students should/will be able to:

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Constructively debate current clinical approaches to consider underlying health, genetics and lifestyle choices
• 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.