BS349-6-SP-CO:
Molecular Basis of Cancer
2020/21
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Sunday 17 January 2021
Friday 26 March 2021
15
19 April 2021
Requisites for this module
BS225 or BS238
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC C700 Biochemistry,
BSC C701 Biochemistry (Including Placement Year),
BSC C703 Biochemistry (Including Year Abroad),
BSC CR00 Biochemistry (Including Foundation Year)
We will discuss general aspects of cancer biology (cancer statistics and risk factors, cancer classifications, origins and multistage nature of cancer). We will explore the hallmarks of cancer, which describe the biological capabilities acquired by cells during tumour development. They will include replicative immortality, genome instability, induction of angiogenesis and metastasis, immune response, inflammation and metabolic changes in cancer.
We will discuss cell cycle and apoptosis and their role in the maintenance of normal cell populations and in the emergence of cancer. The identification and isolation of oncogenes and tumour suppressors and the mechanism of action of their products will be analysed. The principles of some of the current approaches in cancer therapy will be discussed. Introduction to modern technologies, on-line information retrieval services and specific web sites used in cancer research will be given. The module is continuously updated so that recent advances in the molecular analysis of tumourigenesis are reflected in the content.
The aim of this module is to provide students with current knowledge and understanding of cancer.
To pass this Module, students will need to be able to:
1. Ddescribe the fundamental mechanisms that underlie eukaryotic cell multiplication, cell senescence and cell death, senescence, angiogenesis, including the alterations that are involved in the initiation of uncontrolled growth and tumourigenesis;
2. discuss the cellular mechanisms involved in the surveillance of genome integrity and tumour suppression and how this is integrated with the cell cycle;
3. discuss the transduction and integration of extracellular signals that regulate cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis;
4. discuss therapeutic approaches to treat cancer;
5. demonstrate competence in (a) the analysis and interpretation of data and (b) the collation, synthesis and communication of material in the form of essays.
Employability and transferable skills:
Analysis and interpretation of survival, proliferation and flow cytometry data
Self-directed reading, and interpretation of, the scientific literature
No additional information available.
Lectures: 18 x 1hr
Classes: 1 x 2hr for data analysis and interpretation
Student managed learning: 130 hrs/module
Total: 150 hrs
- Hanahan, Douglas; Weinberg, Robert A. (2011-03) 'Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation', in Cell. vol. 144 (5) , pp.646-674
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: 24hr during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Ralf Zwacka, email: rzwacka@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Ralf Zwacka, Dr Vladimir Teif, Dr Metodi Metodiev
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Dr Lakjaya Buluwela
Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
Reader in Cancer Medicine
Prof Jacqueline McCormack
Institute Technology Sligo
Vice President
Available via Moodle
Of 109 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
109 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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