University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJJU-20-3 Title: Cancer Biology and Genetics Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Quality and Standards Committee Date: September 2010
Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry Requirements:
N/A
Excluded Combinations:
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
- discuss chromosome morphology and classification;
- detail the consequences of aberrations of chromosome number and structure on the human genomeand its relation to the cancerous phenotype;
- understand the epidemiology and aetiology of various human cancers; distinguish between somatic and inherited cancers, and genetic diseases/mutations that predipose to cancer;
- understand the biology, classification, diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers and be aware of the treatment regimens available;
- discuss current advances in the diagnosis, screening and research into various cancers and put this into context in a case study approach.
Syllabus Outline:
- Introduction: epidemiology/statistics of cancer; introduction to the biology/pathology of cancer; properties of malignant cells; metastasis and angiogenesis
- Causes of cancer: DNA damage, mutation & cytogenetics; viruses & hormones; concepts of aberrations to cell cycle considering oncogenes and tumours suppressor genes; DNA repair and cancer prone conditions; cell signalling, epigenetics
- Role of the immune system in cancer, tumour markers, immunotherapy, leading into treatment strategies, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation and drug resistance.
- Case studies of selected cancers: prostate, breast, ovarian, multiple myeloma, Wilms tumour
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The module will be delivered as mix of lectures and integrated tutorial sessions – with computer-learning support together with a student centred case study and presentation on current issues in cancer biology.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
Pecorino L. (2008) Molecular Biology of Cancer. 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press
Knowles M. & Selby P. (2005) Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer. 4th Ed, Oxford University Press
Neal A.J. and Hoskin P.J. (2009) Clinical Oncology. 4th Ed, Hodder Arnold.
Appropriate current journals, relevant to the course content, as indicated by the academic staff
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 60% B: 40%
FIRST ATTEMPT
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EX1 |
1 | |
Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
||
CW2 |
||
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EX1 |
Examination (3 hours) Assessment Period 3 Final Assessment |
1 |
Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW3 |
1 | |
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)