Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip
Online
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
23 Aug 2024
EARLIEST START DATE
09 Sep 2024
TUITION FEES
GBP 6,370 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* estimated tuition for cancer biology and precision oncology (MSc, PgCert, PgDip)
Introduction
This new programme will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to tackle the challenges related to cancer diagnosis and treatment in the 21st Century.
The programme will integrate an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of cancer with the knowledge and skills required to rapidly translate this understanding to new personalized treatment protocols and diagnostic tools. Individuals with this dual expertise are essential in the rapidly advancing field of precision oncology.
Courses will be delivered by expert scientists and clinicians from the world-renowned Edinburgh Medical School.
This is a three-year online programme with the option of graduating after:
- year 1 with a postgraduate certificate (60 credits required)
- year 2 with a postgraduate diploma (120 credits required)
- year 3 with a Masters (180 credits required)
Why Choose this Programme?
Study something you are passionate about
Cancer-related morbidity and mortality are set to increase significantly in the next 20 years. This programme aims to develop practitioners and researchers who are focused on making a significant contribution to reducing the burden of the disease globally.
Learn at an internationally renowned Medical School
Edinburgh Medical School is internationally renowned in the fields of cancer cell biology and precision oncology and is a world leader in advancing research into real-world applications.
Grow a lifelong network of experts in the field of cancer research
Our programme team brings together experienced clinicians and world-changing researchers. Through ‘meet the scientist’ and ‘meet the clinician’ sessions you will expand your professional network of experts who are leading developments in patient care, clinical trials, drug development, and research.
Learn alongside like-minded professionals around the world
A big part of your learning experience is achieved through engaging with your peers, exchanging ideas, and developing different perspectives to solve problems. You will be part of a global community that, together with academic staff, will form the foundation of your network.
Online learning
Learning is delivered through:
- core and guest materials available for you to read, watch and listen to in your own time, including Soundcloud interviews with patients and clinicians that will immerse you in real-world learning, putting you in the shoes of the clinicians, facing the challenges they encounter regularly
- opportunities to connect regularly with scientists/clinician-scientists in online discussion boards and live sessions
- assessments aligned to real-world activities, including grant proposals, patient materials and presentations, that will reinforce what you have learnt
- group assignments and online discussions with your peers that will expose you to different perspectives and new ways of thinking about a problem or topic
Rankings
The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Program Outcome
By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis of cancer and a critical appreciation of how this understanding is translated to a clinical setting
- analyse and critically evaluate complex research outputs and apply creative and inventive thinking to develop appropriate hypotheses/solutions
- explain and communicate both basic and clinical cancer research effectively in multiple situations to diverse audiences
- apply an innovative and creative approach to problem-solving
- plan and lead projects on the molecular and clinical aspects of cancer research with increased confidence in your professional ability
- analyse, interpret, and present "big data" using a variety of applications
Career Opportunities
This programme is designed to enhance your career prospects and to develop your ability to apply laboratory research to personalised cancer treatment.
Some examples of who this programme will suit include:
- health professionals working in a clinical environment (e.g., hospital-based doctors, specialist nurses, specialist GPs, veterinarians, pharmacists)
- those who are working ever closer with the Research & Development side of the business and would like to develop the skills and scientific knowledge to apply research to patient treatment
- biomedical science graduates working in an academic or clinical laboratory seeking a stepping-stone to a PhD
- professionals working in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
- mathematicians, chemists, or physicists wishing to cross disciplines
- professionals in pharmaceutical sales who regularly liaise with scientists and clinicians
Curriculum
This is a three-year online programme with the option of graduating after:
- 1 year with a postgraduate certificate (60 credits required)
- 2 years with a postgraduate diploma (120 credits required)
- 3 years with a Masters (180 credits required)
Year 1
In Year 1, you will study 5 courses:
- Molecular Biology of Cancer 1: the hallmarks of cancer
- You will cover the hallmarks of cancer and learn how these influence the aetiology and treatment of the most common cancer types.
- Precision Oncology I: Multi-omics approaches in oncology
- You will learn the basics of multi-omic technologies (to explore epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome) and be able to demonstrate how these are being used to improve patient outcomes.
- Core Data Analysis and Presentation Skills in Cancer
- You will be given an omics dataset and be taught how to analyse the data with statistics in R, bioinformatic analysis, and digital pathology software. You will learn how to present the data to peers and the public, and how to write reports.
- Molecular Biology of Cancer 2: tumour host interactions
- You will explore tumour intrinsic and extrinsic conditions of the host that impact tumour initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. Specifically, you will investigate immune evasion and immunotherapies, the tumour microenvironment, and how metabolic and hormonal changes influence tumour growth. How this knowledge can be harnessed to improve therapies will also be discussed.
- Precision oncology II: cancer drug discovery and clinical application
- This course will focus on drug design and mechanism of action from chemistry, and phenotypic screening to clinical trials and biomarker identification. You will learn from success stories of local drug discovery and benefit from input from specialist nurses, trial coordinators, and patients.
Year 2
You will select six electives from a choice of ten:
- Cancer vaccine sciences
- Reproductive tract cancers
- Comparative oncology and veterinary cancer
- Epigenomics and Cancer
- Lifestyle, genes, and cancer
- Infectious causes of cancer
- Data analysis with R
- Innovative approaches to health challenges across disciplines
- Science communication and engagement for practice
- Fundamentals of cancer with a focus on infectious causes
Year 3
In your third year, you will undertake an original research project with the support of a dissertation supervisor. The dissertation is an opportunity to further develop your expertise in an area of interest through an independent and original piece of research. You will develop skills in research techniques, analysing data, report writing and presentation.