Cancer Biology MSc

If you would like to gain an in-depth understanding of the disease processes involved in malignancy and find out more about the scientific rationale for therapeutic options, this course is ideal. It is designed so that you link your academic knowledge with the practical applications of cancer biology, particularly in relation to modern advances in understanding. If you are unable to commit to the full masters programme, intermediate qualifications are available.

What will you study?

You will be trained in research methods in science and will learn about the techniques used in molecular biology. You will also study the biology of disease, tumour biology, immunology, molecular oncology, haematological malignancy and diagnosis and therapy. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course aims to develop your communication skills and other key skills. You will also carry out a major research project.

Find out more about the teaching on this course by watching a video of senior lecturer Dr Paraskevi Goggolidou:

Many of the staff in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

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Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Available modules

• Biology of Disease

• Biology of Disease

  Here you study the cellular mechanisms of disease. For specific examples, you also consider the physiological manifestations and public health implications.

  
   
• Molecular Medicine

• Molecular Medicine

  The aim of this module is to familiarise you with the theoretical and practical aspects of molecular medicine as used in research and practice in hospital laboratories.

  
   
• Tumour Biology

• Tumour Biology

  This module introduces:

  • the biological interactions between tumour cells and the host; and
  • how these interactions affect tumour progression.

  You will cover:

  • processes such as carcinogenesis, metastasis and angiogenesis; and
  • tumour response to therapeutic approaches, such as the development of drug resistance.
  
   
• Immunology

• Immunology

  This module covers the molecular basis of immunological mechanisms, and how to use this to approach contemporary problems in clinical immunology.

  
   
• Molecular Oncology

• Molecular Oncology

  This module introduces:

  • the key processes involved in the control of growth, differentiation and death in normal cells; and
  • how changes in these mechanisms lead to cancer.

  It looks at cancer as a genetically-based, multi-step process, enabling you to:

  • interpret changes in cell control processes; and
  • understand the consequences of these molecular changes, both to individuals and to cancer predisposed families.
  
   
• Haematological Malignancy

• Haematological Malignancy

  This module covers the mechanisms that lead to haematological malignancy. You will develop an understanding of:

  • the different cancers of the haematological system; and
  • the techniques used in laboratory investigations of these diseases.
  
   
• Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

• Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

  This module considers the methodologies employed to diagnose, manage and treat malignancy. It explores the biological basis for treatment options, allowing you to:

  • interpret diagnostic results; and
  • propose suitable therapeutic approaches.

  It also discusses novel methods of diagnosis and treatment that are currently in clinical developmental stages.

  
   
• Research and Organisation in Biomedical Science

• Research and Organisation in Biomedical Science

  This module introduces:

  • the principles and practice of laboratory management in biomedical science; and
  • the skills required for researching and communicating in biomedical science.
  
   
• Research Project

• Research Project

  You can carry out your research project with:

  • one of the research groups within the School of Life Sciences;
  • as part of a placement in a laboratory in industry; or
  • as part of a placement in the National Health Service (NHS).

  If you are a part-time student, you can carry out the research project at your place of work, either alongside your taught modules or during a third year.

  
   

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing holds a number of open day events throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to find out more about this course, the Faculty itself, and the facilities we offer.

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Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course.

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We want to make sure you get all the support you need while you are with us. Here you can see the range of support we can offer you while you're doing this course.

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