BS349-6-SP-CO:
Molecular Basis of Cancer
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
16 February 2024
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),
MSCIC098 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Year Abroad),
MSCIC099 Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Including Placement Year),
MSCICZ99 Biochemistry and Biotechnology
This module will discuss general aspects of cancer biology (cancer statistics and risk factors, cancer classifications, origins and multistage nature of cancer).
The module 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.
The aim of this module is:
- To provide students with current knowledge and understanding of cancer.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Describe 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.
- Discuss the cellular mechanisms involved in the surveillance of genome integrity and tumour suppression and how this is integrated with the cell cycle.
- Discuss the transduction and integration of extracellular signals that regulate cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis.
- Discuss therapeutic approaches to treat cancer.
- Demonstrate competence in (a) the analysis and interpretation of data and (b) the collation, synthesis and communication of material in the form of essays.
Skills for your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)
- Analysis and interpretation of survival, proliferation and flow cytometry data.
- Self-directed reading, and interpretation of, the scientific literature.
This module 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.
This module will be delivered via:
- Eighteen 1-hour lectures.
- One 2-hour class for data analysis and interpretation.
- Student managed learning.
-
Pecorino, L. (2021) Molecular biology of cancer: mechanisms, targets, and therapeutics. Fifth edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
-
-
Hanahan, D. and Weinberg, R.A. (2011) ‘Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation’,
Cell, 144(5), pp. 646–674. Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867411001279.
-
Douglas Hanahan and Robert A Weinberg (2000) ‘The Hallmarks of Cancer’,
Cell, 100(1), pp. 57–70. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0092-8674(00)81683-9.
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: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during September (Reassessment 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 Greg Brooke, email: gbrooke@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Ralf Zwacka
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 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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