BGM3024 : The Molecular Basis of Cancer
BGM3024 : The Molecular Basis of Cancer
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Craig Robson
- Lecturer: Professor James Allan, Professor Julie Irving, Dr Lindi Chen, Professor Steven Clifford
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Stage 2 Biochemistry or Biomedical Genetics
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
Through lectures and seminars this module aims to;
1. inform students about the genetic and molecular basis of cancer and its treatment.
2. introduce current technologies used in cancer detection, diagnostics and molecular pathology and allow students to explore how these techniques are being applied to advance our understanding of cancer.
3. facilitate an understanding of the problems associated with cancer treatments.
Outline Of Syllabus
• background to the biochemistry and molecular biology of cancer
• cancer as a multi-process genetic disease
• role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes
• roles of failures in the DNA repair mechanisms in causing cancer
• factors that lead to metastasis
• experimental genetic models of tumour development
• methods of anticancer treatment and the problems of drug resistance
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to;
1. Discuss the genetic and molecular basis of cancer
2. Explain the mechanisms of action of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes
3. Explain the major cellular processes which contribute to cancer development and progression.
4. Discuss the rationale of various cancer therapies.
5. Discuss the relevance of apoptosis and chromosomal instability to cancer developments and treatment.
6. Discuss the basis of and problems facing current methods for cancer treatment.
7. Discuss current technologies being applied to improve our understanding of cancer, and their applications for cancer detection and diagnostics.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to;
1. Source and evaluate current scientific information
2. Communicate complex ideas in a written format
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | In person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | Seminars - in person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introduction to extended essay to support assessment preparation and completion.Q&A for module - in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 82:00 | 82:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures effectively provide students with the necessary knowledge to further explore the current literature.
The 1 hour session introducing students to the extended essay will provide them with tips and study skills as preparation for researching and writing the essay.
The seminars focus on major topics covered in the lectures, providing in-depth knowledge of the topics and opportunities for students to discuss topic areas where they require additional information or clarification is required.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 60 | 2 | A | 70 | Invigilated exam. Students select one essay topic from a choice of 2 |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer Biology and Therapy | 2 | Exams to be scheduled at the same time. Shared lectures/topics will allow the same questions to be used by these 2 modules | |
| Biochemistry of Cancer and Chronic Diseases | 2 | Exams to be scheduled at the same time. Shared lectures/topics will allow the same questions to be used by these 2 modules |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 30 | Extended Essay - (max 1500 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written exam primarily assesses students' knowledge and understanding.
The essay will provide students with the opportunity to undertake wider reading of a topic and learn how to structure an essay to address a specific question. The feedback will allow students to improve on their essay writing skills in preparation for the final examination.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Christmas vacation. Coursework with submissions dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BGM3024's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BGM3024's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Original Handbook text
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.