Postgraduate taught 

Medical Genetics & Genomics MSc(MedSci)

Precision Oncology BIOL5418

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Cancer Sciences
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

The course will enable the students to gain in depth knowledge on the use of personalised medicine and the latest targeted treatment regimens, and critically evaluate how these treatments can be applied. This will be put in the context of how advances in technology can be employed to stratify patients into prognosis and treatment groups, including state of the art 'omic' technologies.

Timetable

Lectures and tutorials over 3 weeks in semester 2.

Assessment

Structured essay on a precision oncology approach (2000 words) ILO1-3

Course Aims

This course aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of latest approaches in treating cancer patients. It will explore the latest diagnostic techniques used to stratify patients for precision medicine treatment approaches.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critical evaluate the use of precision oncology for personalized medicine and patient care, including the role of biomarkers in patient stratification and implications for patient outcomes;

2. Critically discuss the application of targeted therapies in the cancer field, including benefits and risks of specific tretaments;

3. Evaluate scientific literature and demonstrate scientific writing skills by critical review of the field.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.