Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title GENES AND CANCER
Code LIFE760
Coordinator Dr V See
Biochemistry
Violaine@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
A 2.2 or better Honours degree in an appropriate subject from a recognised University 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24
Timetabled lectures that introduce key topics
  5
small group tutorials specific to Life760 to introduce advanced concepts
    2
Bioinformatic workshop
31
Timetable (if known)     The tutorial will provide additional information to the classical lectures. Additional concepts to be developed include cancer biomarkers and epigenetics in cancer. 2 tutorials will be specifically fo
  		    Use of bioinformatics tools to detect point mutations in cancer
  		 
Private Study 119
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  180  2nd semester  60  Yes    Written exam Notes (applying to all assessments) Press release: writing a press release for a cancer related article (provided) with some additional understanding/interpretation questions. Final exam: Structured analysis of a truncated publication.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  1000 words  2nd semester  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Press release and document analysis 
Coursework  1h  2nd semester  10  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Case-study exercise 

Aims

1. To develop in student an understanding of how cancer occurs and the role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor  genes in the development of human cancer

2.  To explain to students what are the hallmarks of cancer and what are the therapeutical strategies and limitations

3. To develop students'' ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to critically evaluate and interpret the published literature in the field of cancer biology

Learning Outcomes

To summarise the molecular and cellular basis of cancer formation                

To critically appraise the biological capabilities aquired during the multi-step development of tumours

To critically appraise the current therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment

To critically appraise how new technologies (sequencing, labelling, in vitro models) have shaped our knowledge of mechanisms of cancer progression

To synthesise information and critically review evidence to support conclusions, by applying appropriate knowledge and skills in the area of molecular biology of cancer

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Timetabled lectures that introduce key topics

Tutorial - small group tutorials specific to Life760 to introduce advanced concepts

The tutorial will provide additional information to the classical lectures. Additional concepts to be developed include cancer biomarkers and epigenetics in cancer. 2 tutorials will be specifically focused on the in-course assessment writing task: preparation and expectations as well as providing feedback

Case Based Learning - Bioinformatic workshop

Use of bioinformatics tools to detect point mutations in cancer

Syllabus
1 


1.        How does cancer initiate

  • DNA damage and mutation  
  • Genome instability and DNA repair: Oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes  
  • DNA repair defect as a target for chemotherapy
  • Detection of genomic alterations 

 

2.        Cancer hallmarks:

  • Self-sufficiency in growth signals  
  • Cell immortalisation  
  • The tumour micro-environment (including tumour hypoxia)  
  •   Metabolic reprogramming
  • Evading growth suppressors  
  • Resisting cell death  
  • Tissue invasion and metastasis

 

3.         Anti-cancer therapeutic strategies:

  • Cancer, the view from the clinic
  •   From drug target to drug design
  • Targeted therapies and immunotherapy

Tutorials will also address the following:

  • Writing a press release for a cancer-related study and performing document analysis
  • Epigenetics in cancer 
  • Biomarkers for cancer detection                 



Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

LIFE302/LIFE760: Genes and cancer

The reading list associated with this module is common to LIFE302.