Aims

This module will provide students with a foundation in the basic aspects of oncology as a basis for further study of specific cancer sites and extend students’ understanding of the general principles of cancer and its management.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover the following topics:
•Epidemiology      
•Principles of cancer management
•Quality of life
•Oncological emergencies
•Management of metastases
•Paraneoplastic syndromes
•Cancers from unknown primary
•Complementary and alternative medicine for cancer
•Genetic aspects of clinical cancer management
•Decision making in clinical cancer management

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Through a series of online tutorials and weekly activities as well as private study (including directed reading) students will gain a detailed knowledge of the major modalities in treating cancer as well as the basic clinical, epidemiological, and genetic aspects of cancer. Students are encouraged to participate in online collaborative discussions via the discussion boards to help consolidate their understanding of the curricular and learning outcomes.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The summative assessment requires the student to record a presentation with supporting slides and notes which could be presented as an example of professional development to peers.
This assessment strategy enables students to demonstrate a depth of knowledge in a focused topic of a non-prescriptive aspect of cancer management. It allows assessment of students ability to critically analyse and present to an audience of peers a focused critiqued piece of work.

The formative allows students to become confident using the recording software and to get their topic approved for the summative assessment.

Should a student fail the summative assessment they will be required for the re-sit to resubmit another presentation of the module leaders’ choice.