BIOL6071 Cancer Chromosome Biology
Module Overview
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of selected topics associated with the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development and lead to tumour progression. This will involve exploring the genetic drivers of disease, the mechanisms of aneuploidy, how the immune system influences tumour development, the impact of disrupted cellular signalling pathways on cancer progression, and the mechanisms of tumour metastasis and invasion. In addition, genomic and proteomic research methods utilised to probe the underlying mechanisms of cancer will be discussed.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Describe the inherited causes of cancer with examples of familial cancer syndromes.
- Outline the approaches used to detect somatic mutations in cancer on a genomic scale.
- Describe the processes that control the association and disassociation of chromosomes during cell division.
- Describe how tumour cells are recognised and targeted by the immune system.
- Explain the cancer immunoediting model using relevant examples of immune escape mechanisms.
- Describe how dysregulation of basic cellular signalling pathways contributes to the development of cancer.
- Explain how tumour-stroma interactions influence cancer progression.
- Describe the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and the mechanisms of tumour metastasis.
Syllabus
- Carcinogenesis - Genetic causes of cancer - Cancer genomics - The control of chromosome segregation - Tumour and immune cell interactions - Tumour immune escape - The impacts of dysregulated cancer cell signalling - Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation - Tumour metastasis and invasion
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module is delivered principally via lectures, supported by informal discussions with lecturers and independent study of recommended reading material.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 |
| Independent Study | 130 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 35% |
| Written exam (2 hours) | 65% |
Referral
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 35% |
| Written exam (2 hours) | 65% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External