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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc(Res) Cancer Medicine

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc(Res) Cancer Medicine Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science by Research
Programme Code MED-MSR-CM UCAS Code HECoS Code 100270 - Medical sciences - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

N/A

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Awards, Credits and Programme of Learning Outcomes

The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations:

1. Any student who fails 60 credits or more of taught modules will not be able to proceed to the dissertation module until the taught modules are successfully completed. Students can then choose whether to graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma or re-enrol to take the Dissertation in the next academic year.

2. Students who pass all the taught modules (120 CATS) but who either, did not submit or who fail to achieve a mark of at least 50% in the dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma.

3. Students who have failed to pass all taught modules but who have accumulated a minimum of 60 CATS points will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Cancer Medicine.

Students with protected characteristics

Normally there are no barriers, but being a laboratory based subject, each case will be considered individually

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Yes
(With the exception of students who are taking this as an intercalated degree and whose primary programme s are subject to Fitness to Practise (FTP) regulations.) FTP programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to FTP rules

Educational Aims Of Programme

Acquire the knowledge and skills to understand the principles of translational cancer medicine.

Demonstrate scientific writing skills through the write up of their research as a Dissertation and the completion of written course assignments.

Evaluate current and future developments in translational cancer medicine and to critically assess biomarker and novel therapeutic approaches in cancer treatments.

Critically analyse scientific literature and show proficiency in scientific writing of research articles.

Recognise and employ key skills in team building.

Demonstrate ability to incorporate innovation.

Demonstrate capacity for self-directed and life-long learning.

Demonstrate the knowledge and research skills for progression to PhD programmes in cancer research.

Show evidence of participation in original and high quality translational cancer research.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Analyze, interpret and appraise experimental data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Essays
Research Project

Adopt various experimental approaches and combine information from different sources to develop an experimental plan

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Demonstrate the ability to write a grant application

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials
Workshops

Methods of Assessment

Presentation
Written assignment

Evaluate ethical issues in human tissue research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed Learning, Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Presentation
Written assignment

Evaluate the principles, benefits and drawbacks of cancer screening programmes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops

Methods of Assessment

Presentation
Written assignment

Critically evaluate and discuss literature supporting the application of radiation as clinical tool for therapy and imaging.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments
Project dissertation

Assess publically available data sets and outline how they would be useful in their research approach.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Research Project

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically evaluate scientific literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written Assignments

Apply analytical, numerical and creative thinking skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Work independently and take responsibility for own learning

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Research Project

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills including the presentation of scientific information

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses

Methods of Assessment

Presentations
Written assignments

Manage time effectively and prioritize tasks

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practicals

Methods of Assessment

Research Project

Develop business ideas and incorporate innovation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written Assignment

Develop own knowledge and skills and contribute to the development of others, through active participation in teamwork and group learning opportunities

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Journal Clubs
Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Use information technology with particular emphasis on the recording of information and data retrieval

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Guided Self Directed Learning
Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Apply scientific research principles and audit

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Demonstrate proficiency in data analysis using commonly used software packages

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Practical assignment

Enhance their Professional and Career Development portfolio

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars and Masterclasses

Methods of Assessment

Written assignment

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically analyse and discuss principles of translational medicine and how they can be applied in the clinical arena

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Essays

Discuss experimental approaches, techniques and design in translational medicine.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentations (PowerPoint)

Understand genomic alterations that lead to cellular phenotype changes in human disease

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Poster Presentations

Discuss the use of biomarkers in disease diagnosis and prognosis and appreciate their role as surrogate markers of drug efficacy and disease response

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Outline the principles of clinical trial design and indicate how translational studies can be incorporated into clinical trials

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practicals

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Critically evaluate current scientific literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Journal Clubs

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Discuss research ethics in relation to studies in humans and animals and correctly apply established principles and legislation to these areas of research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Guided Self Directed Learning

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

Develop innovative business ideas and plan routes to commercialisation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small group learning
Lectures
Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Discuss and outline how research discoveries may be commercialised for rapid development and translation to new diagnostics and treatments

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small group learning

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically analyse experimental approaches

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Essays

Explain techniques that will underpin the experimental design of their Research Project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentations

Develop and present a Research Proposal for their Research Project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignment

Interpret the results of their research project to prepare a comprehensive dissertation

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses, Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Dissertation

Demonstrate the ability to use publicly available datasets

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Masterclasses, Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, Project dissertation

Evaluate specific genomic changes in disease and the subsequent effect on cell function

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Journal Clubs

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentations

Generate a grant proposal with the aim of funding their research proposal

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small Group Learning

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentations , Written assignments

Interpret data to prepare a scientific paper based on established guidelines for a chosen journal

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Evaluate the important elements of biomarkers as prognostic and predictors of disease

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, Oral Presentations

Explain what makes a good drug target and understand the requirement for the development of companion diagnostics in tandem with innovative drug development

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

Discuss the factors that contribute to a high quality clinical trial.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Presentation

Apply publically available tools for data manipulation and analysis

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Practical assignment, coursework, paper review

Describe the main diagnostic modalities used in contemporary oncology practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Oral Presentation, Research proposal

Depending on their subject specialty, the successful student will also be able to demonstrate the skill sets as indicated below. Throughout the different themes, emphasis will be placed on critical thought using tutorials where the students will critique published scientific research.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Non applicable

Methods of Assessment

Non applicable

Precision Cancer Medicine:

1) Define the new methods of stratifying patients into treatment groups

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments

2) Analyse the advantages of adaptive clinical trials.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

3) Discuss drug development strategies - how targeted therapeutic approaches will be applied in the changing paradigm of cancer treatment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, workshops

Methods of Assessment

Presentations

4) Evaluate the principles, benefits and drawbacks of cancer screening programmes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

5) Critically evaluate the opportunities for translational and clinical research arising from patient treatment pathways in surgical, medical and clinical oncology.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, workshops

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

Radiation Oncology and Medical Imaging (ROMI):

1) Describe the physical, chemical and biological principles of radiation interactions with cellular systems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Masterclasses, Seminars

Methods of Assessment

Presentation/ Written assignments

2) Discuss mechanisms of radiation DNA damage, repair and cell death.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations

3) Analyse the principles and applications of radiobiological assays.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

4) Describe the radiobiological principles underlying clinical radiotherapy.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

5) Critically evaluate the mechanisms of radiation induced carcinogenesis and damage in normal tissues.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Oral presentations

6) Understand and evaluate the technology used to deliver advanced radiotherapy techniques and the role of radiological imaging in radiation oncology.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, seminars

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

7) Discuss omics based approaches for biomarker discover in precision radiation oncology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

8) Explain the basis of rationally designed drug radiotherapy combinations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

Oncology Drug Discovery (OOD):

1) Describe how novel drug targets are identified and validated.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

2) Describe how biochemical assays are developed and employed in the drug discovery process.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

3) Describe the alternative approaches used in the drug discovery to identify new chemical matter.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

4) Describe and define chemical approaches used in developing ‘hit’ chemical compounds.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

5) Define drug target classes and their drug-like pharmacophores.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

6) Describe the use of computational methodology in supporting and defining the drug development process.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

7) Describe the issues associated the drug development process.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

8) Describe the development, validation and use of bio-markers in the drug discovery process.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

9) Integrate lecture material into a concise but comprehensive review of current thinking on the drug discovery landscape.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, case studies

Methods of Assessment

Written assignments, presentations

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Biology of Radiotherapy SCM8141 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 70% 30% 0%
Cancer Genetics and Genomics SCM8142 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Clinical Radiation Biology and Imaging SCM8143 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 70% 30% 0%
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer SCM8144 7 10 YES -- 6 weeks N YES -- 60% 40% 0%
Drug Optimization, Drug Delivery and Clinical Trials SCM8139 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 70% 30% 0%
Target Identification and Development in Drug Discovery SCM8138 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 70% 30% 0%
Research Project SCM8067 7 60 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 80% 0%
Dissertation SCM8068 7 60 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Cancer Biology SCM8065 7 10 YES -- 6 weeks N YES -- 70% 30% 0%
Research Translation: from Concept to Commercialisation SCM8096 7 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 80% 20% 0%
Translational Cancer Medicine SCM8066 7 10 -- YES 6 weeks N -- YES 70% 30% 0%

Notes

Students must take the core taught modules (100 CATS) and three modules (20 CATS) from one of the groups Precision Cancer Medicine (SCM8142 and SCM8066), Oncology Drug Discovery (SCM8138 and SCM8139) or Radiation Oncology and Medical Imaging (SCM8141 and 8143), plus the Dissertation (60 CATS) which is taken over the summer. Please note optional modules will not run if there are less than 6 students wishing to enrol.