Cancer Biology

Cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and a considerable burden for the health services. Progress in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease requires an understanding of normal and cancer cell biology. This module is concerned with understanding the cellular and molecular biology of cancer. During the module key features of cancer biology will be discussed, such as deregulation of pathways regulating cell division and cell survival, the genetic basis of cancer, invasion and cancer spread, and the importance of the tumour microenvironment. This module will also consider how recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of cancer have identified new ways of targeting cancers.

By the end of the module the you should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the cellular and molecular processes which are involved in cancer formation and progression
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and mechanisms underlying anti-cancer therapies
• Critically evaluate the evidence underpinning current understanding of aspects of cancer biology
• Communicate a complex scientific article to a non-specialised scientific audience 

Assessment

Exam (50%)
Coursework (50%)