MSci (Hons) Cancer Sciences Integrated Master's degree at the University of Nottingham

This module aims to build your foundational knowledge of the causes of cancer, as well as cancer diagnosis and treatment and the epidemiology of cancer. You'll examine what happens when someone gets cancer, from detection, through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship.

In this module, you'll explore the fascinating world of cellular and molecular biology. You'll delve into topics such as the intricate structure and function of cells and their organelles, the workings of proteins and enzymes, and the essential roles of DNA, transcription, and translation. You'll also examine how genes are organised and regulated, alongside the metabolism of macromolecules and the architecture of cell membranes. To deepen your understanding, practical classes will complement the

This module invites you to uncover the fascinating principles of genetics, molecular evolution, and diversity. You'll explore foundational concepts such as inheritance, gene structure and function, and the molecular mechanisms that drive genetic variation. Through the lens of molecular evolutionary processes, you'll investigate the forces shaping genetic diversity, including natural selection, mutation, and random genetic drift. In addition, you'll examine the diversity of life, from microorgani

A study of the ten fundamental processes that make cancers form, grow, invade and spread.

This module provides an overview of the structure and function of the major systems of the human body in health and disease. This will give you a comprehensive introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Practical classes will apply your learning to dynamic processes of some key body systems.

In this module, you'll explore how the human body processes the nutrients it needs to function. From obtaining and digesting to absorbing and metabolising macronutrients and micronutrients, you'll gain a solid understanding of these essential processes. You'll also examine the interaction of nutrition and energy metabolism and how it impacts on energy balance, body weight regulation, and body composition. The module further investigates the tissue-specific regulation of macronutrient metabolism,

This module looks at angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and how the blood supply and immune system interact when there is a tumour present. You'll examine the process of neo-angiogenesis in tumour biology and the approaches that have been used to target this process. You'll study how cancers interact with their host, co-opt and corrupt normal cell processes, and evade detection by the immune system.

This module considers: Genetic polymorphisms and genome-wide association studies Chemical, viral, and radiation induced DNA damage and tumourigenesis Cancer cell genomics and the 100,000 genome project Cancer cell transcriptomics and epigenomics Precision medicine in cancer treatment

How do cancers become genetically unstable, so that they can spread around the body (metastasize), using bowel and ovarian cancer as examples.

This module looks at the ways we study the incidence of cancer in specific populations and areas, and how we determine the causes and risk factors associated with cancer. You'll explore the global cancer burden and the regional variations in cancer incidence and cancer risk factors. As well as the methods used to address cancer prevention, and the importance of public health policy in cancer prevention.

This module studies three of the most common cancers. You'll examine tobacco-induced mutations in the lung and the role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in this disease. You will gain an understanding of growth factor signalling in breast cancer, treatment and the evolution of drug resistance and examine the importance of hormones and the role of oestrogen and the use of anti-oestrogens. All the while comparing breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Take an in-depth look at the patient's journey with cancer. From discovery to treatment, recovery and/or palliative care. Through an in-depth case study, you'll build knowledge of the skills needed to be able to diagnose, and identify treatment options and you'll see the importance of clinical trials and evidence-based medicine.

This module provides you with hands-on experience of research in cancer sciences and develops the practical skills required to conduct a research project. You'll design, plan, and perform a research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. As part of the project, you will: read and critically analyse scientific literature collect, analyse, and interpret data of many different types including in some cases bioinformatic data or other types of non-laboratory data write a dissertation

This module considers advanced methodologies, approaches, and technologies at the forefront of current cancer research including: Innovative technologies Discovery biology (phenotype analysis) - genetic screening using CRISPR, shRNA, and siRNA Transcriptomics - RNA seq, spatial transcriptomics, and single cell sequencing Epigenomics - ChIP seq, RIME, Proteomics, Metabolomics including spatial metabolomics Artificial Intelligence/imaging Databases/platforms and their use. In vivo tumour models: t

Building on the skills you gained in Year two, this module continues to analyse cancer biology but in the context of molecular therapeutics. You'll do this by examining emerging research, in solid tumours and also in blood cancers, from diverse areas such as DNA repair, cell cycle control, growth factor signaling, hypoxia, apoptotic and autophagic mechanisms, epigenetic mechanisms, cancer stem cell properties, bioelectrical signalling. Therapeutics currently used in the clinic as well as novel t

Students who choose this module will receive a thorough grounding in the foundations of immunology pertaining to T-cell responses. The essential models of T-cell activation will be taught with key lectures on dendritic cells, T-cell responses to infectious (pathogens) and sterile antigens (ie cancer), and immune escape. These form the foundations of understanding later lectures on cutting edge immunotherapies including immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T therapies. This module's teaching team c

This module considers: The spectrum of cancers that occur in childhood and how types of cancer and drivers are different to adult cancers Current treatments and outcomes for a range of paediatric cancers The principles behind chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery in childhood cancer How improved understanding of the underlying biology is driving novel treatment strategies An in-depth consideration of preclinical approaches to developing novel treatment strategies Issues with translating findin

How the cancer cell shapes its environment, and how the environment affects the cancer cell, from blood vessel growth and drainage by lymphatics to the host cells that interact with the cancer cells.

Hear from experts in cancer research on cutting-edge technologies. You'll complement this with your own research through review articles and primary papers from the current scientific literature related to the research seminars.

Work independently on a major engineering project with real-world or industrial relevance. You'll apply advanced technical knowledge to investigate, design and develop a solution to a complex problem. With support from academic staff, you'll plan and manage your own work, produce a detailed technical report and present your findings. This project mirrors the challenges faced by professional engineers and helps develop high-level skills in research, innovation and communication.

In this module, you'll conduct in-depth research into your placement in order to plan a research project. You'll use the information you gain to produce a grant application. This should explain the aims of the project, its background, the methods you'll use, the expected outcomes, the value of the research, and the safety and ethical considerations of the project.