• Inactive for Year: 2025/26

• Module Leader(s): Prof. John Lunec
• Co-Module Leader: Professor Gareth Veal, Professor Ian Hickson
• Lecturer: Dr Debbie Hicks, Professor Julie Irving, Professor Steve Wedge, Dr David Jamieson, Dr Shelby Barnett

• 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.

Aims

The aim of this module is to:

Provide information and develop students understanding of the process of carcinogenesis, the biology of cancer cells, the role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, the pharmacology of the main anticancer drugs and the exploration of new pharmacological strategies in the treatment of cancer.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics covered in this module may include:



DNA damage, DNA repair defects and cancer

Discovery of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes

Role in cell signalling and the multistep process of cancer development and progression

Therapeutic targets & biomarkers

Chemotherapy from a clinical perspective

Chemotherapy drug groups – mechanisms & pharmacology                                          

Mitigating the side effects and long-term consequences of chemotherapy and targeted treatment

Drug resistance & resistance modifiers

Drug discovery & future directions

Drug combination, Synergy (supra-additivity) & synthetic lethality.

Introduction to cancer databases and their interrogation

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures a formal taught session to the whole cohort which consists largely of the exposition of theory, themes, methodologies and techniques. These will form the basis of a student’s understanding of a subject.

Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge and prepare for assessments through consolidation of module content, reading of books, journal articles and other recommended references.

Workshops will provide skills training and potentially assessment guidance. Workshops foster active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking. It bridges theory and practice by engaging students in problem-solving, discussions, and hands-on activities, enhancing understanding and retention while developing teamwork and communication skills.

In-course assessments (oral presentations etc) will teach students time management and organisation and encourage independent working as well as supporting their understanding of the subject

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Other Assessment

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Invigilated written examination: this will test the knowledge and understanding acquired by the students and their ability to communicate effectively in a written format the current state of knowledge and developments in molecular oncology and cancer therapeutics.


Oral presentation: this assessment assesses a students’ ability to translate scientific information into a clear and logical manner and verbalise this individually.

Problem solving exercise: this assesses a students’ ability to analyse quantitative/qualitative data using appropriate methods and draw scientifically valid conclusions. This formative in-course assessment will familiarise students with the format of the end-of-module exam and help students assess their knowledge and understanding of course material. 

Formative quizzes: these will support a students’ understanding of a topic and allow them to test the depth of their current understanding.

Reading Lists

• BMD3018's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• BMD3018's Timetable