| CODE | NUR5144 |
| TITLE | Understanding the Biology of Cancer: Application in Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment |
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course |
| MQF LEVEL | 7 |
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 |
| DEPARTMENT | Nursing |
| DESCRIPTION | C6 - Understanding the Biology of Cancer: Application to Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (NUR 5144) is an elective 10 ECTS study-unit which provides first year postgraduate students with an advanced knowledge of the biology of cancer and its treatments. This study-unit will run in semester one over 14 weeks and will be delivered via online lectures. Topics to be covered in this study-unit include: - Molecular and cellular processes involved in tumour formation, progression, and metastasis; - Genetic alterations in cancer cells, oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, and molecular signalling pathways; - Cancer hallmarks and tumour microenvironment, including the role of inflammation and immune evasion; - Assessments in cancer diagnosis including physical examination, lab investigations, image investigations, biopsies, and surgical interventions; - Cancer staging and grading systems and their role in treatment planning; - Cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapies, molecular targeted therapies, immunotherapy, surgical management, and bone marrow transplantation; - Drug resistance mechanisms and strategies to overcome resistance; - Complications of cancer and its treatments, including acute and long-term adverse effects; - Emerging technologies and approaches in oncology, such as artificial intelligence in cancer diagnostics and advancements in genetic profiling; - Current research trends and translational medicine in oncology, including clinical trials and evidence-based practice. Study-Unit Aims: - Explain the molecular and cellular basis of cancer, including cell signalling, proliferation, tumour suppressor genes, oncogenes, and genetic alterations; - Summarise the molecular processes involved in tumour initiation, progression, and metastasis, as well as the concept of cancer hallmarks and the tumour microenvironment, including immune evasion and the role of inflammation; - Describe in detail the techniques involved in cancer screening and their applications in early detection; - Determine the different assessments performed in cancer diagnosis, including physical examination, laboratory investigations, imaging techniques, biopsies, and surgical interventions; - Describe the cancer staging and grading systems and their relevance in prognosis and treatment planning; - Convey an understanding of how different types of cancer treatments work, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, targeted molecular therapies, biological agents, and bone marrow transplantation; - Summarise the mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer therapy and strategies to overcome resistance; - Discuss the complications and adverse effects of cancer treatments, including their management and impact on quality of life; - Explore the role of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and genetic profiling in enhancing cancer diagnosis and personalised treatment; - Describe the principles of current research in oncology, including clinical trials and evidence- based practice. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer, including oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, cell signaling, and genetic alterations; - Explain the processes of tumour initiation, progression, metastasis, and the role of the tumour microenvironment, immune evasion, and inflammation; - Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and techniques involved in cancer screening and their application in early detection; - Identify and describe the various diagnostic assessments used in oncology, including physical examination, imaging modalities, and biopsies; - Interpret the cancer staging and grading systems and explain their importance in treatment planning and prognosis; - Demonstrate an understanding of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation, and explain their mechanisms of action and rationale for combined use; - Analyse mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer therapy and discuss strategies for overcoming resistance; - Discuss the complications and adverse effects of cancer treatments and their management in clinical practice; - Evaluate the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genetic profiling in cancer diagnosis and treatment; - Critically appraise current research trends in oncology, such as clinical trials. Students must demonstrate achievement of these learning outcomes by scoring at least 45% in the final examination. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Communicate effectively with other members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team, demonstrating collaborative decision-making; - Provide patients and their families with clear, evidence-based information about the impact of genetic factors on cancer risk, diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term surveillance; - Evaluate the role of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, genetic profiling) and incorporate these insights into professional discussions and patient education; - Advocate for holistic and patient-centred care within the multidisciplinary team context. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Khan, S. U., & Malik, F. (Eds.). (2024). Drug resistance in cancer: Mechanisms and strategies. Springer. - Neal Ellis, C. (Ed.). (2011). Inherited cancer syndromes. (2nd ed.). Springer. - Qazi, A. S., & Tariq, K. (Eds.). (2023). Therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment. Springer. - Tadman, M., Roberts, D., & Foulkes, M. (2019). Oxford handbook of cancer nursing. (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. - Thomas-Tikhonenko, A. (2010). Cancer genome and tumor microenvironment. Springer. |
| RULES/CONDITIONS | Before TAKING THIS UNIT YOU MUST TAKE NUR5133 AND TAKE NUR5141 |
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture |
| LECTURER/S | Daren Chircop |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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