The Biology of Cancer
| Module title | The Biology of Cancer |
|---|---|
| Module code | CSC2026 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Seb Oltean (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
Despite intense research in the last 30-40 years, cancer remains a relatively frequent and debilitating disease. There are many un-answered questions on how cancers appear, evolve, and spread in the organism. As such, understanding cancer biology should be one of the priorities of the next generation of medical scientists. This module intends to take you through the basics of cancer biology, both at molecular and cellular levels.
This is an optional module if you are a student on BSc Medical Sciences, Biosciences and Flexible Honours, provided the prerequisites have been met.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the module is to gain in-depth knowledge on advances in molecular understanding of cancer cells properties. The module will be divided into two main parts: one following the concept of hallmarks of cancer (e.g inhibiting angiogenesis, blocking invasion and metastasis, reactivating apoptosis); the second part will be looking from a different angle at levels of gene expression and regulation (e.g epigenetics, circulating DNA, RNAi, miRs, splicing).
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply knowledge from various scientific disciplines to the identification of cancer cell properties and how they are different from other cells
- 2. Explain the fundamental principles of cancer biology (e.g. hallmarks of cancer)
- 3. Evaluate and select appropriate methodology to test various cancer cells functions
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Retrieve and evaluate relevant literature in the area of cancer biology
- 5. Identify opportunities for cancer research based on current understanding
- 6. Develop an in-depth review of a specific topic in cancer biology
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Manage time and workload effectively
- 8. Evaluate information and summarise it accurately
- 9. Communicate ideas clearly and concisely by oral and written means
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
- Each week will involve expert-provided lectures explaining the important concepts relating to particular properties of cancer cells (e.g. hallmarks of cancer) or various gene regulation processes hijacked by cancer cells to their own advantage (e.g. aberrant splicing
- Group tutorial sessions will also be held to explore how the information delivered in the lecture can be transferred and applied to a specific cancer biology research topic
- Supplementary to this teaching, computer-based workshops and/or video recordings will be used where appropriate to demonstrate some of these principles in action.
Beside this core teaching, you are asked to work on a review of a specific topic in cancer biology. In preparation for this you will be guided during tutorial sessions.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 133 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 11 | Lectures (11x 1 hr) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 6 | Group learning tutorials including in-class tests |
| Guided Independent Study | 18 | Preparation for group learning tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | 20 | Engaging with ELE content (videos / quizzes) |
| Guided Independent Study | 35 | Independent research |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Coursework preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Exam preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice test questions | 3-5 questions | 1-6, 8-9 | Group |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 40 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topic review | 60 | 1000 words | 1-9 | Written |
| In-class test 1 | 20 | 30 min | 1-6, 8-9 | Written |
| In-class test 2 | 20 | 30 min | 1-6, 8-9 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topic review (60%) | Resubmission of topic review (1000 words) | 1-9 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| In-class test 1 (20%) | Test 1 (30 min) | 1-6, 8, 9 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| In-class test 2 (20%) | Test 2 (30 min) | 1-6, 8, 9 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Please note that the re-assessments for ‘In-class Test 1’ and ‘In-class Test 2’ will be combined into a single 1 hour exam, with students taking the section/sections as relevant.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
The biology of cancer. Robert A Weinberg. Second edition 2014.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
See ELE
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
See ELE
Key words search
Cancer biology, hallmarks of cancer, oncogenes, tumour suppressors
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | BIO1334 and BIO1339 |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 19/01/2023 |
| Last revision date | 21/02/2025 |
