BMD3009 : Cancer Biology and Therapy (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Professor Steven Clifford
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Lindi Chen
- Lecturer: Dr Debbie Hicks, Professor Craig Robson, Dr Jack Leslie, Dr Christopher Bacon, Dr Luke Gaughan, Professor Laura Greaves, Dr Daniel Williamson, Professor James Allan, Professor Julie Irving, Dr Simon Bomken
- 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: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality and a major research strength where Newcastle has impacted understanding, practice and policy worldwide. This module, delivered by research leaders, provides a background to the molecular basis of cancer and its therapy. The various causes, cellular and genetic processes central to the development of cancer will be discussed, alongside how this understanding is being exploited for disease detection, diagnosis and therapy.
Outline Of Syllabus
To introduce students to cancer research at Newcastle. To introduce cancer genetics and the mechanisms of disruption and action of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in cancer development.
To understand the processes of cell cycle disruption, metastasis, angiogenesis, and the roles of cell signalling pathways in cancer.
To understand intrinsic cell states (apoptosis, senescence), the tumour microenvironment, inflammation and metabolism, and their relevance to cancer.
To introduce conventional and molecularly-targeted therapies for cancer, and understand the role of mechanisms including cell plasticity/evolution and drug resistance in cancer development and treatment. To understand the importance of treatment-related late effects.
To introduce the molecular pathology of cancer and personalised medicines, including next-generation approaches to understanding cancer biology and the application of experimental models and imaging in cancer research.
To understand the therapy of cancer and related challenges, using specific cancer types as examples.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Core module knowledge lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 0:30 | 4:00 | Tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 175:00 | 175:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Assessment lecture |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture materials will provide students with key information.
Tutorials will encourage increased understanding of the material through discussion.
Private study will allow students to extend their knowledge through reading of journal articles and other recommended references.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 60 | An invigilated closed-book exam, with a choice of 2 essay questions from 4 to answer. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 40 | Extended essay - 2000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Written examination: This tests the application of knowledge, understanding and critical evaluation skills.
Extended essay: The open-book essay synthesizes key learning and concepts from across the module and introduces additional learning, supports the students’ development of literature-based research, written communication and presentation skills, supplements the main areas of teaching delivered, and helps prepare them for the examination. This will enable students to demonstrate critical thinking and reading in the subject area. Feedback on the extended essay will help improve student’s writing skills for future assessments.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD3009's Timetable