Introductory description

This second-year undergraduate module provides students with a comprehensive exploration of the multidimensional landscape of oncology and neoplasms, covering essential topics, including; the genetic basis of cancer, signalling pathways, tumour microenvironment dynamics, and diagnostic modalities. The module delves into hormonal and environmental contributors to cancer, and precision medicine, gaining insights into personalized treatments. Students will engage with current trends and emerging technologies, and ethical considerations surrounding cancer biology.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

17 lectures and 3 workshops covering :

1. Foundational Understanding: Provide a foundational understanding of oncology, encompassing historical perspectives, current trends, and challenges in cancer research.

2. Cell Cycle Insight: Develop a comprehensive insight into the regulation, dysregulation, and targeted therapies of the cell cycle in cancer. Providing a fundamental principles of cancer biology and its molecular underpinnings.

3. Genetic Basis Proficiency: Enable proficient analysis of the genetic basis of cancer, including mutations, oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, and distinctions between hereditary and sporadic cancers.

4. Epigenetic Mastery: Foster mastery in understanding epigenetic modifications, their impact on gene expression, and the application of epigenetic therapies in oncology.

5. Pathways and Therapeutic Strategies: Embed knowledge of molecular pathways in cancer, crosstalk between pathways, and targeted therapeutic strategies, including an in-depth understanding of the tumour microenvironment. Critically evaluating the different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used in oncology

6. Ethics and impact of cancer research. Explore the ethical, societal, and future directions of cancer research and care. Applying the knowledge of oncology to real-world case studies and clinical scenarios.

7. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of cancer management.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. Comprehensive Understanding: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles, concepts, and methodologies in oncology and the biology of neoplasms.
• 2. Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate complex issues related to cancer development, progression, diagnosis, and treatment.
• 3. Integration of Knowledge: Integrate knowledge across multiple disciplines, including cell biology, genetics, epigenetics, immunology, and clinical oncology, to comprehend the multifaceted nature of cancer.
• 4. Application of Concepts: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, such as patient case studies, to propose appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies.
• 5. Research and Translational Skills: Demonstrate proficiency in conducting research, interpreting scientific literature, and translating knowledge into practical applications for cancer treatment.
• 6. Ethical Considerations: Recognize and analyze ethical and societal issues related to cancer research, treatment, and patient care, and demonstrate the ability to make informed, ethically sound decisions.
• 7. Communication Skills: Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, both in writing (research poster presentation) and orally (interactive workshop and tumor board discussions).
• 8. Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Approach: Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team setting, as demonstrated in tumor board discussions and interactive workshops.
• 9. Adaptability and Future-Oriented Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to adapt to emerging technologies and novel therapeutic approaches in the field of oncology, and anticipate future trends and challenges.

Subject specific skills

1. Comprehensive Understanding of Oncology: Mastery of the fundamental concepts, principles, and overview of oncology as a specialized field of study.

2. Critical Analysis of Cancer Research History: Proficiency in critically analyzing the historical perspectives of cancer research, understanding its evolution, and appreciating key milestones. Awareness of Current Trends and

3. Challenges: Ability to identify and comprehend current trends and challenges in contemporary oncology research, staying informed about the latest developments.

4. Cell Cycle Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of cell cycle regulation, recognition of dysregulation patterns in cancer, and understanding the applications of cell cycle-targeted therapies.

5:)Genetic Basis Evaluation: Skill in evaluating mutations and their role in cancer development, distinguishing between oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes, and understanding hereditary vs. sporadic cancers.

1. Expertise in Epigenetics: Mastery of epigenetic modifications and their impact on gene expression, analysis of epigenetic alterations in cancer initiation and progression, and understanding the potential of epigenetic therapies.

2. Molecular Pathways Analysis: Competence in identifying signaling pathways implicated in cancer, analyzing crosstalk between pathways, and evaluating the effectiveness of targeted therapies against specific pathways.

3. Practical Understanding of Diagnostic Modalities: Proficiency in utilizing imaging techniques (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET-CT, ultrasound), molecular and genetic diagnostics (PCR, FISH, next-generation sequencing), biopsy techniques, and liquid biopsies for cancer diagnosis.

Transferable skills

1. Critical Thinking: The ability to critically analyze historical perspectives, current trends, and challenges in oncology research, fostering a mindset for thoughtful evaluation and decision-making.

2. Problem Solving: Development of problem-solving skills, particularly evident in the analysis of clinical cases, discussions on treatment options, and consideration of multidisciplinary approaches to cancer care.

3. Communication Skills: Enhancement of communication skills through interactive workshops, case study discussions, and group activities, promoting effective expression and exchange of ideas.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork: Participation in group activities, such as tumour boards and interactive workshops, instils teamwork and collaboration skills essential for multidisciplinary approaches to cancer care.

5. Research Skills: Acquisition of research skills, demonstrated by the understanding of emerging technologies, novel therapeutic modalities, and predictions for the future of oncology research.

6. Ethical Awareness: Increased awareness of ethical considerations in cancer research and treatment, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making, patient advocacy, and addressing healthcare disparities.

7. Adaptability: Development of adaptability, as showcased in the exploration of diverse topics ranging from molecular pathways and genetics to societal issues and future directions in oncology research.

8. Decision-making under uncertainty: Practical experience in decision-making under uncertainty, particularly in the workshop's clinical case discussions, reflecting real-world scenarios where information may be incomplete or evolving.