Cancer and Molecular Pathology and Genomics PGDip

Program Overview

This part-time Postgraduate Diploma in Cancer and Molecular Pathology and Genomics, starting September 2024, provides a comprehensive understanding of modern molecular technologies applied to human disease, particularly cancer. Through a combination of theoretical and practical training, students develop skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program prepares graduates for careers in academic research, biotechnology, hospital settings, or industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

This program will be offered part-time (21 months) starting September 2024, with a fee of £9,650 for overseas students and £4,250 for EU/EEA/Swiss students. The course fee covers per annum for 2 years and may be subject to increase on an annual basis, and is to be paid in advance before registration.

Outline

This Postgraduate Diploma will give you a theoretical and practical knowledge of modern molecular technologies as applied to human disease, with a focus on cancer. You’ll also learn how to apply and interpret advanced molecular technologies and use them in pathology. At the heart of the course is a focus on developing your skills in the laboratory, as well as a variety of other scientific and transferable skills. By studying on the Cancer and Molecular Pathology and Genomics pathway, you’ll be equipping yourself with the tools to follow a career in academic research, either in the clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic setting. We’ll keep you at the forefront of research: you’ll be taught by internationally renowned lecturers who produce ground-breaking research in cancer biology, genetics, screening, prevention and therapy, so you’ll stay up to date with the most recent medical advances in cancer prevention and treatment. This programme is delivered by the Barts Cancer Institute, a Cancer Research UK centre of excellence and part of the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on written assignments and posters and oral presentations. Examinations will be in the form of online assessments which may consist of timed essay questions, short answer questions or case studies

Teaching

You’ll be taught through a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercise and role-play as well as discussion. We take pride in the close and friendly working relationship we have with our students. You’ll be assigned an Academic Mentor, who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.

Careers

You’ll leave this programme with the clinical skills and experience necessary to pursue further academic research at MSc level.

• The application of genomic technology
• The working principles of expression array and genotype array technology
• The principles of bio-statistical analysis of genomic data
• The advantages and limitations of the various genomic approaches described
• The use of proteomic approaches in studying cancers
The course also covers a range of modern technologies, such as:
• PCR techniques including: quantitative real-time PCR, allele specific PCR and methylation specific PCR
• Southern blotting techniques
• Northern blotting techniques
• Western blotting techniques
• Chromosomal banding techniques
• Flow Cytometry
• Immunocytochemistry/ Immunohistochemistry techniques
• Microarray analysis and data interpretation
• In situ hybridisation techniques FISH and CISH
The programme will be structured so that students will have an understanding of how the above techniques can be applied to a wide variety of cancers including:
• Lung
• Breast
• Colorectal
• Ovarian
• Prostatic
• Haematological malignancies
• Gastrointestinal
• Head and neck
The course will cover preventative therapy of cancers and its potential role in reducing cancer incidence in the UK. We will be studying the importance of vaccination in reducing the incidence of certain cancers and will also address the role of dietary factors in cancer development and how they may be modified to prevent cancers from occurring. We will also deal with the role of lifestyle modifications, risk factors and predictive biomarkers and their potential for reducing the development and progression of certain cancers.

Additional Notes:

• This is a part-time program starting September 2024.

Home: £8,450 Overseas: £19,300 Overseas: £2000 Overseas: £9,650 EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for 2 years. Overseas: £2000