Cancer and Clinical Oncology Online MSc

Program Overview

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The Cancer and Clinical Oncology Online MSc program from Barts Cancer Institute provides an in-depth understanding of cancer biology, drug development, and clinical oncology. Delivered online, this program allows students to study at their own pace and gain specialist knowledge in cancer research and treatment. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, biotech research, hospital settings, or industry.

Program Outline

You’ll gain specialist knowledge of cancer biology and pathology, drug development and research methodologies, giving you an excellent grounding in the clinical practice of oncology. This online program is delivered by Barts Cancer Institute, one of four partners in the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre, a world-leading hub dedicated to cancer biotherapeutics.

• Acquire knowledge and skills in research methods and data analysis.
• Gain practical experience in clinical oncology.
• Become a critical thinker and effective communicator in the field of oncology.

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Program Description:

This program is offered online, allowing you to study at your own pace and from anywhere in the world. This means you can fit your studies around your existing commitments, making it ideal for busy professionals. The program is divided into nine taught modules, covering a broad range of topics in cancer biology, pathology, drug development, research methodologies and clinical oncology. You will also complete a dissertation, allowing you to carry out an independent research project in a specific area of interest.

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Outline:

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Module 1: Cancer Biology

• Introduction to cancer biology
• Carcinogenesis
• The hallmarks of cancer
• Cancer genetics

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Module 2: Cancer Pharmacology

• The basic concepts of cancer chemotherapy
• Practical and theoretical aspects of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• The basic clinical and molecular pharmacology of the major classes of anti-cancer agents
• Novel cancer therapies using small molecules

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Module 3: Drug Development

• Ethical and good practice issues
• What a therapeutic target is
• How novel therapeutic targets are identified
• How therapeutic targets are validated
• Early clinical trials methodology

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Module 4: Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology

• The aetiology of paediatric leukaemia and selected paediatric solid tumours
• The molecular aspects of selected paediatric cancers, and how understanding the genetic basis of such cancers has improved molecular diagnostic techniques
• The principles of paediatric cancer therapy, from past to present, including novel targeted therapies
The specific nature of each dissertation will be determined through discussions between the student, the course director and the project supervisor but will involve applying analytical, investigative and communication skills and utilizing a range of research methods and tools.

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Module 6: Research Methods

• The module covers the techniques and knowledge needed to critically appraise published research, and carry out a piece of original research.
• 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

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Module 8: Clinical Cancer Treatment (CCT)

• This module will provide students with a robust understanding of the cancer-specific epidemiology, pathology, diagnostics, imaging, and cutting-edge treatments relevant to contemporary clinical practice (expirative and ablative surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies) as well as outcomes.
The scientific basis of cancer diagnostics and therapies will be outlined. Lectures will cover major solid and haematological cancers, and delivered by clinical and research experts in the field with powerpoint presentation of images and videos.

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Module 9: Pathology of Cancer and Imaging

• This module will introduce the student to the terminology of pathology and histology, and describe the pathological processes of tumour development.
It will also introduce students to the vital role that imaging plays in all aspects of the management of patients with cancer, including different imaging technologies, their application, and risks to the patient. Teaching will be delivered as lectures, microscopy sessions and powerpoint presentation of images.

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Assessment:

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Module assessment:

• 67% Modules
• 33% Dissertation

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Assessment methods:

• Written assignments and posters
• Online presentations
• Case studies
• There will also be a full laboratory project write-up

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Teaching:

• As a distance-learning student, you’ll be taught via our online platform, QMplus.
You’ll have access to recorded lectures, video lab tutorials, copies of the slides and other supporting materials.
• Dissertations will be supervised by a Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) researcher and supervision meetings will be conducted by telephone or by Skype.

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Careers:

• You’ll leave this programme with the clinical skills and experience necessary to pursue further academic research at PhD or MD level.
This program also provides a strong foundation if you want to work in biotech research, hospital settings or in industry.

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Other:

• Career destinations of past Barts Cancer Institute students include:
• SpR medical oncology chemotherapy co-ordinator
• Assistant practitioner
• Medical officer
• Each year we retain a proportion of our graduates within the Institute as PhD students, research assistants or clinical trial co-ordinators.
This should be helpful for anyone who is interested in learning more about the program and deciding if it is the right fit for them.

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Home: £12,650 Overseas: £28,900 EU/EEA/Swiss studentsThe course fee is charged per annum for 2 years.