module specification

BM7046 - Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Human Sciences
Total study hours 200
 
39 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
24 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
137 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Essay (2000 words)
Unseen Examination 50%   Unseen exam (1.5hrs)
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Wednesday Afternoon

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.

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, blood; sarcomas.

(LO1-3)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Students will be guided in their learning using a combination of private study, interactive lectures and small group tutorials exploring realistic problems/case studies. Preparation for assignments 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.

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 and develop and demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of key cancers and cancer therapies.
3. evaluate published relevant research material and put together a balanced review of a
    selected topic; relating to cancer diagnosis and therapy using up-to-date primary
    sources.

Assessment strategy

The module will be summatively assessed by the analysis of a case study (50%), and by an end of module test (50%) comprising short answer questions.

To pass the module students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.

Component     Learning outcomes
Essay                           3
Exam                          1,2,3

Bibliography

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/index.html?lang=en

Journals:
British Journal of Cancer
European Journal of Cancer
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Cancer Research
Cancer Therapy

Websites:
http://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics-for-the-uk