MSc Molecular Pathology of Cancer
Academic Year 2020/21
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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
MSc Molecular Pathology of Cancer |
Final Award |
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 |
|
|||||||||||||
INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences |
|
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
|
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
N/A |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
|
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No |
Programme Specific Regulations Programme Specific Regulations |
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 |
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF PROGRAMME
Educational Aims of Programme:
To develop the knowledge and skills to understand the advanced principles of cancer biology, genomics and immunology and their importance to molecular pathology in an era of precision medicine.
To foster acquisition of knowledge and practical skills for use in a molecular diagnostic environment.
The evaluation of current and future developments in translational medicine and the critical assessment of biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches in clinical medicine.
Critical analysis of scientific literature and scientific writing of research articles.
To nurture skills in digital molecular pathology and pathology informatics for effective application across academic, health care delivery or bio-industry sectors.
Describe the importance of integrative approaches in molecular pathology for its successful application in the workplace.
Demonstrate how close working relationships with industry are essential to facilitate rapid transfer of translational medicine into clinical practice.
Apply effective core molecular pathology skills to the workplace.
To promote leadership in molecular pathology across academic, health care delivery or bio-industry sectors.
To provide knowledge and skills to progress through participation high quality research programmes.
To foster skills in oral presentations and promote lifelong learning.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn 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 & UnderstandingOn 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 SpecificOn 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 SkillsOn 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 |
MODULE INFORMATION
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
|
Assessment |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
S1 |
S2 |
|
|
Core |
Option |
Coursework % |
Practical % |
Examination % |
Research Project: Work Placement |
SCM8153 |
7 |
60 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
The Academia-Industry Intersect |
SCM8126 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Cancer Biology, Immunology & Genomics |
SCM8121 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Molecular Diagnostics |
SCM8122 |
7 |
25 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Research Project |
SCM8127 |
7 |
60 |
YES |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
|
Biostatistical Informatics |
SCM8109 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Translational Research |
SCM8123 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
Digital Pathology Distance Learning |
SCM8124 |
7 |
20 |
YES |
12 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
||
NotesStudents must take 120 CATS compulsory modules and one of the Research Project modules. There will be a competitive selective process for the Research Project: Work Placement |
||||||||||||