Cancer Pharmacology – (M.Sc.)

Contents

All students will study a common programme covering the following areas:

* Molecular Basis of Cancer and Cancer Therapycovers the molecular basis of cancer, focusing on the pathways that inform the underlying malignant cell condition. This leads to the concept of target-orientated drug development. A history of drug development will be given to rationalise the changing face of drug discovery away from currently used chemotherapeutics. Tumour pathology and the role of this plays in both classification and treatment of cancers. The importance of protein targets as a key approach towards developing a new generation of anti-cancer drugs.

* Preclinical Models for Drug Development embraces preclinical drug evaluation and will include: the use of 2- and 3-dimensional cell culture models in drug evaluation; the development of in vivo models, their advantages and drawbacks in the drug discovery process; ethical issues associated with animal testing with reference to the NC3R's programme of reduction, refinement and replacment of animal testing. For those that wish it, this module will enable students to gain experience of animal experimentation leading towards an application for a Home Office licence.

* Cancer Pharmacology critically evaluates the importance of cancer pharmacology in the context of predicting outcomes in the anti-cancer drug discovery process. Drug formulation and adminsitration procedures, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, design and pre-clinical studies, clinical trial design and regulatory requirements for approval process from regulatory bodies.

* Research and Analytical Methods advanced laboratory techniques. Identification and quantitative measurement of drugs and their metabolites in clinical samples using separative and highly sensitive analysis including mass spectrometry. Evaluation of drug actions using 2D and 3D cell culture techniques. Effect of cancer agents on message, protein and posttranslational events using molecular biology techniques. Identification of the fate of drugs using cytometric techniques. Understanding how the scintific reporting process works. The course has a strong theory component supplemented by laboratory workshops. The module is assessed by a portfolio which evaluates critical understanding and application of the techniques studied.

* Critical Appraisal a critical appraisal of the scientific literature on a current topic in cancer pharmacology and therapeutics. Each student will be appointed a sepcialist supervisor who will provide topics tailored to suit individual interests.

* Research Project one-third of the credits making up the MSc Cancer Pharmacology are attributed to an individual project. The facilities of the research laboratories of the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics will be available for data generation for student projects.

Assessment
Core modules are assessed by written examinations and by coursework and laboratory reports, structured exercises, essays, peers review, critical presentation of a research paper (journal club), preparing grant applications and standard operating procedures.

The critical appraisal and the research project are assessed by written reports and by an oral presentation and a viva voce, respectively.