Module Identifier | BS24310 | ||||||||||||||
Module Title | CANCER BIOLOGY | ||||||||||||||
Academic Year | 2007/2008 | ||||||||||||||
Co-ordinator | Dr Luis A J Mur | ||||||||||||||
Semester | Semester 2 | ||||||||||||||
Other staff | Dr Glyn Jenkins, Dr Paul Kenton | ||||||||||||||
Pre-Requisite | BS12610 | ||||||||||||||
Course delivery | Lecture | 15 Hours. 15 x 1 hour lectures, including 2 lectures by invited speakers. | |||||||||||||
Assessment |
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What is cancer?
We will consider the cytology and physiology on the normal cell as compared to cancerous cells. Different types of neoplasms (abnormal growths e.g. warts, benign and malign cancers) originating from different tissues will be discuss. The characteristics of cancerous cells will be outlined; unrestrained cellular growth and the lack of contact inhibition. We will also outline the formation of secondary cancers following angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and metastasis (the systemic dispersal of cancer cells).
What causes cancer?
Cancer is primarily a genetic disease. Cancer cells arise from the gene mutations and/ or chromosomal abnormalities which change the transcription or function of certain 'rancer? genes known as oncogenes. The derivation and function of some example oncogenes will be considered.
Oncogenes which perturb the cell cycle and the patterns of cell death 'rpoptosis? will be discussed, with a special focus on the alterations in intra-(and sometime inter-) cellular communications i.e. cell signaling pathways.
How can cancer be avoided or suppressed?
The media is always quoting studies which suggest that different life-style choices promote cancer. The rationale behind certain important risk factors, smoking, sunbathing and obesity will be explored.
Once tumours have formed, chemotherapy, along with surgery and radiotherapy are the main methods using to suppress their growth. The mode of action of some key anti-cancer drugs will be discussed along with problems of adverse side-effects and tumour resistance.
Communication | * Read in different contexts and for different purposes * Write for different purposes and audiences * Listen effectively | ||
Improving own Learning and Performance | * Show awareness of own learning styles, personal preferences and needs, and barriers to learning * Devise and apply realistic learning and self management strategies | ||
Information Technology | * Use a range of commonly used software packages * Prepare and input data * Manage storage systems * Use email /internet appropriately and effectively | ||
Personal Development and Career planning | * Develop awareness of personal skills, beliefs and qualities in relation to course/career progression * Plan and prepare for future course/career * Market skills, experience and achievement effectively on paper and in person * Understand and use a range of job search strategies | ||
Subject Specific Skills | A number of vocational opportunities will arise from the knowledge base and work experience |
This module is at CQFW Level 5