BSc Biomedical Sciences

This course explores the molecular events driving cancer progression and metastasis, focusing on tumour formation, molecular mechanisms, and therapies. You will examine key topics such as gene regulation, cell cycle control, signal transduction, and tumour heterogeneity. Emphasis will be placed on genomic approaches, the latest cancer research developments, and the impact of molecular biology on current and emerging therapies. 
 

• To provide students with a general understanding of the molecular events which lead to cancer and its progression.
• To explore cancer research techniques that enable the studying of tumour formation, out growth and metastasis.  
• To critically appraise and understand the current options for cancer treatment and common reasons for therapy failure 

1) Develop a comprehensive understanding of the specific molecular events leading to the formation of various types of tumours.  

2) Relate and appraise the processes of apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, chromatin dynamics, gene regulation, and signal transduction to the mechanisms of tumorigenesis.  

3) Stay updated with the latest developments in basic cancer research, including advancements in molecular biology.  

4) Apply molecular knowledge to the development of innovative cancer therapies and treatment modalities.  

5) Explore and understand the links between topics such as genomic approaches to cancer research, tumour heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapies, considering their molecular underpinnings. 

Tumour formation and progression

• Concept of multi-step progression and the multiple-hit hypothesis.
• Introduction to the cellular changes and the stages in cancer progression.
• Cell cycle checkpoints and telomere maintenance.
• Translocations and cancer.
• Predisposition to cancer. e.g. in retinoblastomas and breast cancers.
• Tissue invasion and metastasis.
• Formation of cellular heterogeneity and its importance to tumour biology.

Molecular basis

• Tumour suppressor proteins including p53 and RB and relationship to cell cycle.
• Epigenetic, chromatin and gene regulation changes in cancer.
• Introduction to MAP kinase signal transduction pathways.
• Nuclear targets of MAP kinase signal transduction pathways.
• Relationship between oncogenes and signal transduction pathways.
• Pathway crosstalk and relationship to tumourigenesis.
• Apoptosis and its relationship to cancer.
• Genetic underpinning of heterogeneity of cancer cell states.

Therapies

• Cancer treatment conventional diagnosis and treatment options.
• Emerging therapies including Targeted and immunotherapies.
• Cancer therapy relapse and its origins.

Self-directed learning

• Research into specific cancers and identification of specific molecular changes associated with individual tumours.
• Research into the following topics; Telomeres and cancer, Cancer Stem Cell Hypothesis, Tumour Angiogenesis, additional signalling pathways disrupted in Cancers.
• Formative post lecture interactive tests on Mentimeter.

eLearning activity

Active learning sessions utilising Team Based Learning as well as online and in person interactive quizzes, one of which illustrates the molecular defects found in cancer cells in the context of diagnosing and treating a patient with lung cancer.

Written exam 70%

TBL activities 30% 

Feedback will be provided during the TBL active learning and assessment session as well as peer review and instructor given examples and live revision sessions.

Weinberg, RA (2006/2014) The Biology of Cancer. Garland Science