Cancer: Science and Impact

About

This three-week intensive module introduces the fundamentals of cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and survivorship.

Teaching is delivered through expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, lab sessions and site visits.

You will gain a multidisciplinary understanding of cancer research and clinical care. Core topics include molecular mechanisms of cancer, diagnosis (pathology and radiology), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and nanomedicine.

You will take part in a structured problem-based learning (PBL) project. Working in groups, you will investigate real-world cancer prevention challenges, propose solutions and assess their potential impact.

The module fosters critical thinking, collaboration and a global perspective.

You will gain exposure to cutting-edge research and clinical practice at world-leading institutions.

The module culminates in a group presentation and a written coursework submission.

Week one – Understanding cancer
Foundations of cancer biology: hallmarks, mutations, oncogenes and tumour suppressors
Molecular and pathological basis of cancer (histology, tumour grading)
Diagnosis (pathology, radiology and AI)
Group-based PBL: identifying and framing a real-world cancer prevention challenge

Week two – Cancer therapies
Introduction to cancer research techniques (3D models, cell lines, computational)
Therapies: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
Group-based PBL: identifying solutions to real-world cancer prevention challenge

Week three – Innovation and integration
Computational cancer
Nanomedicine
Survivorship
Group-based PBL: impact assessment of real-world cancer prevention challenge

Course leader

Dr Kate Ricketts, Prof Gary Royle

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Provide you with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation in cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- Explore core concepts such as the molecular and pathological basis of cancer, alongside diagnostic techniques and cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
- Cover major cancer therapies, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as innovations in immunotherapy, computational cancer, and nanomedicine.
- Develop your ability to critically evaluate current challenges and innovations in cancer research and care.
- Foster collaborative skills, scientific reasoning, and a global perspective on cancer.
- Inspire and prepare you to engage with cancer as a complex biomedical and societal challenge, encouraging you to contribute thoughtfully to future advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Fee info