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Module

BMS2023 : The Principles of Cancer

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Lindi Chen
  • Lecturer: Professor Linda Sharp, Professor Steven Clifford, Dr Jack Leslie, Dr Laura Woods, Professor Craig Robson, Professor Derek Mann, Professor Ian Hickson, Dr Luke Gaughan, Professor Laura Greaves, Professor James Allan
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
  • Capacity limit: 85 student places
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module aims to:

- Provide an introduction to cancer and cancer research

- Explain the fundamental hallmarks of cancer.

- Illustrate how the hallmarks link to key areas of applied cancer research such as early detection, diagnosis, treatment and drug discovery.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover:

- An introduction to cancer and cancer research

- An introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of cancer including tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes

- The fundamental principles and hallmarks of cancer such as angiogenesis, metastasis and sustained proliferation

- Core areas of applied cancer research such as stem cells, molecular pathology, genomics and informatics, preclinical models, cancer therapy and drug discovery

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture211:0021:00In person
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:00Seminars in person
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1761:00176:00Includes writing up lecture notes, reading and revision.
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study.



Small group teaching will encourage consolidation of taught material through discussion, Q&As and provide support for students in their preparation for the assessment format.



Independent study will allow students to extend their knowledge through reading of books, 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
Digital Examination602A28In person invigilated exam. Part 1 Inspera invigilated MCQ (60 mins) (28%), max 60 questions. To be scheduled together with Part 2 below. (Inspera to be open for the duration of the examination - 120 mins)
Written Examination602A42In person invigilated exam. Part 2 written timed essay exam (60 mins) (42%), 2 questions from a choice of 4. To be scheduled together with Part 1 above. (Inspera to be open for the duration of the examination - 120 mins).
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2M30Extended essay (2000 words)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination provides evidence of individual knowledge and understanding of the topics. The extended essay supports the students’ development in identifying and critically analysing current literature and their written communication skills.

Reading Lists

Timetable