Programme Title

MSc Molecular Pathology of Cancer (Blending Learning)

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Science

Programme Code

MED-MSC-PC

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100270

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

1 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Accreditations (PSRB)

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

No

Programme Specific Regulations

Programme Specific Regulations

The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the General Regulations of the University.

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. In the case of failed modules, candidates will normally be permitted only one re-sit attempt in each module. Students who fail any module twice will normally be required to withdraw.

3. Candidates who achieve an overall pass mark in in the first three modules of the programme (60 CATS) and then withdraw from the programme may be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Molecular Pathology of Cancer.

4. Candidates who achieve an overall pass mark in the second three modules of the programme (60 CATS) but may have failed a first semester module, and then withdraw from the programme may be awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Pathology, Informatics and Business Applications.

5. Candidates who achieve an overall pass mark in all the taught modules (120 CATS) worth and then withdraw from the programme may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Molecular Pathology of Cancer.

6. A candidate who fails the Research Project may re-submit within 6 months. Only one resubmission will be permitted.

7. Candidates who pass all the taught modules but who fail the Research Project, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma only.

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)

No
Fitness to Practise programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to Fitness to Practise rules No. With the exception of students who are taking this as an intercalated degree and whose primary programmes are subject to Fitness to Practise (FTP) regulations

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Critically analyse and apply the principles of cancer biology, immunology and genomics to implement molecular pathology services in an era of Precision Medicine

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Small Group Teaching, Guided Self-Directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Coursework, Presentations and Assignments

Select and evaluate theories and research from the knowledge base of molecular pathology to integrate digital molecular pathology and bioinformatics in order to underpin molecular diagnostics, theranostics and clinical trials delivery

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures (traditional and online), Seminars/Webinars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Small Group Teaching, Guided Self-Directed learning including online quizzes

Methods of Assessment

Coursework, Essays and Assignments

Lead teams applying molecular pathology skills in academia, healthcare or bio-industry sectors

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures (traditional and online), Seminars /Webinars, Tutorials, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Small Group Teaching, Guided Self-Directed learning including online quizzes

Methods of Assessment

Presentations and Assignments

Analyze, interpret and appraise experimental data including data made publically available

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Webinars, Tutorials, Practical’s, Guided Self-Directed learning including online quizzes

Methods of Assessment

Assignments

Analyse and combine information from different sources to develop strategies for effective application of molecular pathology in the workplace

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars , Tutorials, Master classes, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Small Group Teaching, Guided Self-Directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Coursework, Presentations and Assignments

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Critically appraise the key processes and biological events that lead to malignant disease in humans and describe how these are utilised to underpin stratified approaches to patient management

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Presentations, Assignments

Describe the translational pipeline from discovery to clinical application and evaluate how translational research benefits from integrated digital and analytical approaches to molecular pathology

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Assignments, Presentation

Provide a modern interpretation of research relating to cancer immunology and outline recent strategies for using immunotherapy to treat patients

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Assignments, Presentation

Evaluate and apply basic principles of statistical analysis for handing data in translational medical research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

On line lectures, online tutorials and guided self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Assignments

Explain how academia and industry intersect to develop mutually beneficial research collaborations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Guided Self-Directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Assignments

Appraise the theoretical and technical aspects of digital pathology and have an appreciation for the regulatory requirements relating to digital pathology for research and clinical application

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

On line lectures, online tutorials and guided self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Assignments

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

Discuss and evaluate the basic principles of cancer biology, genomics and cancer immunology and be able to summarise the complexity of cancer genetics

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Tutorials, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Presentation, Assignment

Outline the principles of research ethics and governance relating to translational research and correctly apply established principles and legislation as required

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Presentations, Assignments

Discuss experimental approaches, techniques and design in translational cancer medicine and evaluate the interdisciplinary aspect of translational cancer research including the contributions of basic scientists and clinicians as well as researchers based in health and social care settings.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Presentations, Assignments, Continuous Assessment, Research Project

Describe the basics of laboratory design and critically analyse the regulatory, safety and financial aspects of a molecular laboratory to deliver an effective laboratory quality management system

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Presentation, Essay

Evaluate the principles of clinical trial design and describe how clinical trials can be supported by integrated molecular pathology translational research programmes

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Essay, Presentation

Identify and evaluate the key components required to establish a spin-off company from research findings; including familiarity with aspects of IPR, patenting and licencing

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

On line lectures, online masterclasses and guided self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work

Discuss commercial strategies for marketing and developing products

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

On line lectures, online tutorials and guided self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work

Evaluate how different ‘omics’ research data are analysed

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

On line lectures, online tutorials and guided self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work

Discuss digital pathology platforms and evaluate how different image analyse approaches are used for research and clinical application

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

On line lectures, online tutorials and guided self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Demonstrate a well-developed knowledge base

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and through identifying additional resources, gathering information

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Essays, Presentations, Written Assignments,

Critically evaluate current scientific literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, Seminars, Tutorials, Workshops, Masterclasses, Practicals, Journal Clubs, Guided Self-Directed learning, Small Group Teaching

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Presentations, Assignments, Continuous Assessment, Research Project

Demonstrate critical, analytical and creative thinking by identifying resources and by gathering and managing important information

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and through identifying additional resources, gathering information

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Essays, Presentations, Written Assignments,

Demonstrate creativity by initiating and expressing new ideas, developing sound arguments and a persuasive opinions including critically evaluating and writing a business plan

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and through identifying additional resources, gathering information

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Essays, Presentations, Written Assignments.

Data management skills – increased ability to carry out advanced data management/ data–base interrogation including ability to utilise statistical programming and interpret results from a statistical analysis in biomedical terms

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials and through identifying additional resources, gathering information

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Essays, Presentations, Written Assignments

Organisational and personal skills – including life-long responsibility and self-motivation, self-confidence, personal integrity, setting own goals and time management

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, course guidance about time requirements for course completion

Methods of Assessment

Timely submission of coursework and Continuous Assessment, Research Project, Assessment of Presentations

Innovative thinking and its application to commercialisation of opportunities

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures (traditional and online), tutorials, self directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Course work, Essays, Presentations, Written Assignments

General IT skills including use of bibliographic software such as RefWorks or equivalent

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, tutorials, masterclasses, delivery of presentation, self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Research Project, Course work, Data handling assignments

Demonstrate good interpersonal skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Participation in group discussions and presentations

Methods of Assessment

Formative assessment of presentations