BM7046 - Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy (2017/18)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module provides an understanding of the clinical aspects of oncology, focusing on diagnosis and staging of different cancers, and the range of options open for therapy.
Prior learning requirements
None
Module aims
The aim of this module is to give a synopsis of the major cancers from the perspective of a diagnostician, thus providing a background to other modules on this course which focus on molecular and pharmacological aspects of the disease.
Syllabus
• Cancer – an overview
• Staging and grading of malignancies
• Principles of cancer therapy (radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine, biologic therapies)
• Biomarkers
• Cancers of the head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal tract, breast, reproductive organs, central nervous system, endocrine system, skin; sarcomas.
Learning and teaching
Students will be guided in their learning using a combination of private study (132 hours), interactive lectures (22 hours) and small group tutorials exploring realistic problems/case studies (22 hours). Preparation for assignments (24 h) will enable students to reinforce and expand their knowledge base and develop subject skills and competences. They will be able to assess and reflect upon their understanding of the material through the completion on-line quizzes.
On completion of this module students provide an evaluation of how the module enabled them to develop skills such as using information technology, team building, communication, time management, and working under pressure.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a critical awareness of the general principles of cancer diagnosis;
2. differentiate between available treatment options open to clinicians in patient case studies;
3. put forward diagnoses on the basis of symptoms and signs in cancer patient case studies;
4. develop and demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of key cancers and cancer therapies.
Assessment strategy
The module will be summatively assessed by the analysis of a case study (40%), and by an end of module test (60%) comprising short answer questions.
To pass the module students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.
Component Learning outcomes
Case Study Comprehension 1,2,3,4
Exam 1,2,3,4
Bibliography
Bibliography
Cassidy,J. et al. (2010). Oxford Handbook of Oncology (Oxford Medical Handbooks) . OUP.
Neal, A. Hoskin, P. (2009). Clinical Oncology (4e): Basic Principles and Practice. Hodder Arnold.
Rang, H.P. et al. (2011). Rang and Dale's Pharmacology (7e). Churchill Livingstone.
Journals (E-Journals accessible via library).
British Journal of Cancer
European Journal of Cancer
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Cancer Research
Cancer Therapy
Websites:
www.pathpedia.com
Examples of Reviews
Hatzinicolaou,S. and Gogas, H. (2012). Melanoma: What Does it Mean in 2011 and Beyond?
European Journal of Clinical & Medical Oncology. 4:1-6.
Kim A. et al. (2012). Therapeutic strategies in epithelial ovarian cancer. Journal of Experimental Cancer Research, 31: 14-22.
Pui C. et al. (2011). Biology, risk stratification, and therapy of pediatric acute leukemias: an update. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 29:551-565