Advanced cancer models and approaches in preclinical research
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ONCG3007 | School of Medicine | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ONCG3007
- School
- School of Medicine
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module considers advanced methodologies, approaches, and technologies at the forefront of current cancer research including:
- Innovative technologies: Discovery biology (phenotype analysis) - genetic screening using CRISPR, shRNA, and siRNA; Transcriptomics - RNA seq, spatial transcriptomics, and single cell sequencing; Epigenomics - ChIP seq, RIME, Proteomics, Metabolomics including spatial metabolomics; Artificial Intelligence/imaging; Databases/platforms and their use.
- In vivo tumour models: transgenesis and in vivo assays (intra-spleen injections, tail vein injections, orthotopic models, subcutaneous tumour models, and other approaches that model primary tumour growth and metastasis).
- 3D in vitro tissue culture approaches: organoids, patient tissue explants, and tumour spheroids.
- Bioengineering in 3D cancer models and description of synthetic niches mimicking the tumour microenvironment.
- Drug screening using in vitro models and consideration of pharmacokinetics (including for drug-resistant cells).
- Translation of new models into the clinic and in-depth consideration of preclinical approaches in the development of novel treatment strategies.
- Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.
Target Students
Students studying Cancer Sciences BSc (B131) and Cancer Sciences MSci (B130) and other students with the required pre-requisites including students studying Natural Sciences.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
- One 3-hour workshop
- One 1-hour un assigned
- One 1-hour un assigned
- Two 1-hour lectures each week for 7 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (3-hour): 10 Compulsory short answer questions
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
To review the many different models and technologies that can be used in preclinical cancer research. To discuss the advantages and limitations of these models and approaches including the need in cancer research to mimic an in vivo scenario to be able to translate research findings into effective treatments.Learning Outcomes
1. Intellectual skills
Students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of advanced:
• In vitro models in preclinical cancer research
• In vivo models in preclinical cancer research
• Technologies used in current cancer research
• Drug discovery methodologies
• Routes to translation into the clinic
2. Professional / practical skills
Students should be able to understand how cancer models are optimized in preclinical research.
3. Transferable / key skills
Students should be able to:
● Communicate complex written information to a non-specialist audience
● Communicate complex written information in the form of an essay
● Demonstrate self-management and teamworking in the completion of coursework
● Demonstrate problem solving skills and critical thinking as applied to relevant data
● Show basic levels of information technology literacy
2. Professional / practical skills
Students should be able to understand how cancer models are optimized in preclinical research.
3. Transferable / key skills –
Students should be able to:
• Communicate complex written information to a non-specialist audience
• Communicate complex written information in the form of an essay
• Demonstrate self-management and teamworking in the completion of coursework
• Demonstrate problem solving skills and critical thinking as applied to relevant data
• Show basic levels of information technology literacy