Cancer Sciences single subjects (single subjects)

The Cancer in Society subject aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the cancer burden in modern society. This will include a detailed review of the epidemiology of cancer and how this varies internationally. Students will explore the attitudes, behaviours and risk factors that influence cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. They will also examine the influence of the commercial sector, law and public policy on cancer mortality and morbidity. Social, political and financial considerations of cancer care will also be addressed.

The Cancer Research subject will provide students with an ability to apply research methodologies in the context of cancer. Students will learn about the structure and skills required to conduct successful research activities. There will be an introduction to a variety of methods for investigation including experimental and clinical trial design, methodology for population-based studies, ethical considerations, and statistical analyses. In addition, critical analysis of the literature will be embedded throughout the subject with exposure to the currently active areas of research in cancer.

The Cancer Therapeutics subject aims to examine the benefits and limitations of various treatment modalities available for patients with cancer. Case studies will be used to integrate this information to understand and evaluate the modern era of integrated cancer care and the role of multi-disciplinary team-based patient management. The subject aims to provide breadth of knowledge and perspective with regards to cancer treatment and patient centred care.

The Foundations of Cancer subject aims to immerse students in the research literature that has constructed the current biological paradigms in cancer biology. Students will understand the complexity in pathways and drivers that result in dysregulated biological processes and disease. Research literature will support critical examination of the interplay between these biological processes, past and current treatments and the evolution of cancer in an individual.

Cancer throughout the lifespan will describe the specific factors associated with the care and treatment of children, adolescents, young, middle aged and older adults and geriatrics with cancer; from the time of diagnosis to the time of death. To address the complex needs of different age group cohorts, there is a need to look at the patient holistically to manage their complex medical conditions.

There is now a vast array of diagnostic tools and techniques available to clinicians to aid in cancer diagnosis. In this subject, students will learn the indications, mechanisms and utility of each of these diagnostic tools. Students will also learn about the best practice diagnostic pathways that exist to facilitate accurate, efficient and cost-effective cancer diagnostics.

The Cancer Prevention subject aims to outline the concepts, methods and applications underpinning cancer prevention at a population level. It will explore the concepts of primary, secondary (screening and early intervention) and tertiary prevention strategies to improve cancer outcomes. Case based discussion will demonstrate the epidemiological and applied behavioural research involved in reducing the risk of incidence of cancer and recurrence.

In this subject, students will gain a detailed understanding of all aspect of the drug development pipeline, beginning from the basic science research that triggers investigation of a new therapeutic strategy, through pre-clinical and clinical testing and final introduction to the general market. It will also cover practical issues such as funding considerations and the regulatory frameworks that exist  to ensure patient safety and eventual medication approval.  The design and methodology utilised in international drug discovery initiatives will be utilised to illustrate previously successful approaches.

In this subject, each student will research, design and present a project proposal and undertake a substantial literature review that will form the basis of their research project. In doing so, students will put into practice the advanced theoretical knowledge they have learnt during other taught modules and have the chance to explore an area of interest to them, in detail. It will reinforce their abilities to evaluate existing research, utilise appropriate methodological techniques in cancer research, and to critically analyse and reflect on data.

Building upon the previous subject (Research Thesis Capstone – Part 1), this subject provides opportunities to extend, deepen and apply knowledge, skills and attributes, in the context of a research project.

This subject enables students to engage in the implementation, analysis and communication of a research project that demonstrates their advanced theoretical knowledge and critical reflection skills. It provides the opportunity for integration of their prior learning from the course, and demonstration of their advanced practice, focusing on an area of interest. During this project, students will have the unique opportunity to be closely trained and supervised by leading experts in oncology. It will reinforce their abilities to evaluate existing research, utilise appropriate methodological techniques in cancer research and to critically analyse and reflect on data.

With the rapidly increasing volume of patients with a diagnosis of cancer there are an increasing number of patients having to deal with the consequences of cancer. This subject will provide an evidenced-based, best practice approach to both palliative care and survivorship care. It will address the physical, emotional and spiritual consequences of diagnosis, treatment and the supportive care services that address those. Students will also develop a detailed understanding of palliative care, its goals, techniques and limitations. In doing so, students will also explore the role of the multidisciplinary teams in various health care delivery models and how that influences patient centred care.