Cancer PharmacologyMSc

Cancer Pharmacology

This module provides an advanced understanding of the pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer.

The key aim of this module is to provide students with in-depth analysis of how the key classes of anti-cancer drugs mediate their effects, including a consideration of aspects of drug discovery, clinical trials, adverse effects, and possible future avenues of drug treatment.

Cancer: Diagnosis and Therapy

This module provides an understanding of the clinical aspects of oncology, focusing on diagnosis and staging of different cancers, and the range of options open for therapy.

The aim of this module is to give a synopsis of the major cancers from the perspective of a diagnostician, thus providing a background to other modules on this course which focus on molecular and pharmacological aspects of the disease.

Medical Genetics and Genomics

This module focuses on human diseases with a genetic component, from monogenic disorders to complex, multifactorial diseases. Consideration is also given to hereditary mechanisms not linked to DNA sequence (e.g. genomic imprinting).
The module aims to provide an appreciation of the genetic basis of inherited diseases and, wherever possible, relate disease phenotype to mutations in gene products or to aberrations in gene expression. The material covered emphasises how an understanding of human biology has advanced through the study of genetic diseases, explores the development of therapeutic strategies using up-to-date primary sources and discusses the latest technological innovations.

Molecular Oncology

This module provides an advanced understanding of cancer at the molecular level.

The key aim of this module is to inform students on sub-cellular aspects of cancer, focusing on molecular changes within cells which are associated with oncogenesis and the wide variety of different mechanisms within the cell which can be affected. Reference will be made to not only the understanding of key molecular mechanisms involved but also to identifying possible targets for diagnosis and therapy.

Research Project

This module provides an opportunity for student-lead problem solving applying knowledge acquired to a specific research question . The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply and develop previously acquired knowledge and skills to a laboratory or IT-based biomedical research problem; and undertake, critically evaluate, reflect, and report on, an individual research programme.

Scientific Frameworks For Research

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of skills needed for the planning, organisation and practice of research in science. Different analytical approaches to problems will be reviewed together with the need to consider statistics and quality control in the design of projects. Students will consider the impact of appropriate safety, ethical and resourcing implications in the design and operation of a project.

Advanced Drug Formulation Technologies

This module is designed to provide students with (a) an in-depth understanding of current and (b) emerging formulation technologies for optimising dosage forms, (c) the mechanisms by which these therapeutic agents exert their mode of action (d) and the various routes of drug administration that can be exploited to maximise drug interactions. Also, it will aid students with an understanding of how to identify and critically evaluate the key factors and stages involved in designing formulations; enable students to appreciate the importance of the manufacturing process and the stability of drug formulation in the overall development of new products, and to enable students to examine selected ethical issues surrounding drug development and delivery.

Bioinformatics and Molecular Modelling

The module uses online databases and software to extract, analyse and interpret DNA and protein sequences and to model structures of proteins.
This module aims to provide familiarity with the primary databases and common software packages used to analyse DNA, RNA and protein sequence, expression and structure, within and across genomes. It will also develop informatic skills for extracting, analysing and presenting data to extract biological knowledge and students will apply the principles of macromolecular, and in particular protein, structure to the building f molecular models using modelling and graphics software. The module will examine applications of modelling with emphasis on understanding the interactions between proteins and other molecules of biological or synthetic origin.

Drug Discovery Technology

The aim of this module is to provide an up-to-date understanding of chemical and biological technologies used in the drug discovery process.

This module aims to provide:

1. students with knowledge and understanding of how chemical and biological technologies are used in drug discovery process
2. an opportunity for extensive in-depth research and critical assessment of a topical issue