| Date Specification Approved |
29/01/2026 |
| College |
College Medicine and Health |
| School |
School of Medical Sciences |
| Department |
Inst of Cancer / Genomic Sci |
| Partner College and School |
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| Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration |
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| Qualification and Programme Title |
Intercalated MSci Medical Sciences: Cancer Sciences Full-time |
| Programme Code |
238L |
| Delivery Location |
Campus |
| Language of Study |
English |
| Length of Programme |
1 Year(s) |
| Accreditations |
This programme has no outside accreditations |
| Aims of the Programme |
The MSci Medical Sciences: Cancer Sciences programme is aimed at intercalating medical students who wish to gain in depth knowledge and research training through practical experience in a leading cancer research centre. The programme consists of an introductory taught module that is shared with the MSc Clinical Oncology programme and two further advanced compulsory modules shared with MRes Cancer Sciences. The major component of the programme is a project within a research group in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences (School of Medical Sciences), the Department of Immunology (and Immunotherapy or in affiliated groups within MDS. Birmingham is an internationally-renowned centre for translational cancer research that combines high-quality basic science and trials infrastructure with the largest clinical referral base in Europe.
The lecture modules will be taught by cancer experts; the introductory module will provide an essential background to the cellular and molecular basis of cancer, whilst the bespoke modules will allow students to gain more advanced knowledge in specific research areas. These include, an in-depth review of current genomics technologies and how this information can be translated for diagnosis, stratification and treatment of cancer and how immunology can inform therapies to treat cancer. The project will generally be laboratory-based and will provide skills in designing and implementing research strategies to answer fundamental questions relating to cancer causes, diagnosis and/or treatment. The skills and experience gained will be of particular interest to medical students thinking about a career in clinical research in oncology. For intercalating students considering a career outside of medicine, the practical experience gained will also equip students for career opportunities in clinical laboratories undertaking biomedical, genetics and bioinformatics techniques, the pharmaceutical industry, specialised technical/product support for suppliers of laboratory reagents and equipment and science writing and other media. |
| Programme Outcomes |
| Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: |
Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: |
and assessed using the following methods: |
1) The cellular and molecular basis of cancer; the significance of oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and DNA damage in cancer induction and progression; the roles of viruses, environmental carcinogens and genetics in predisposition to cancers; how tumours spread within the body and the importance of the immune system in controlling cancers.
2) An advanced understanding of current knowledge and research in two areas from the specialised modules: a) An in-depth knowledge and understanding of cutting-edge technologies used in both basic science laboratories and clinical diagnostic laboratories for translational genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic research. b) The use of molecular biological and system biology approaches in the diagnosis and prognostication of cancer. c) A knowledge and understanding of cancer immunology and how this can be applied to immunotherapy.
3) A range of scientific techniques that will enable them to select appropriate strategies to address research questions.
4) The current status of understanding within a specific research area to a level that will provide a context for and guide their research project.
5) An understanding of regulatory procedures relevant to the field including ethical and legal concerns.
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1) Lectures and tutorials in the initial Module, seminars and independent study.
2a) Lectures and tutorials in Module 2 (Genomics and Genome-based therapeutics), Journal Club, seminars and independent study.
2b) Lectures and tutorials in Module 2 Genomics and genome-based therapeutics), Journal Club, seminars and independent study.
2c) Lectures and tutorials in Module 3 (Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy), Journal Club, seminars and independent study.
3) Research project supervision. N.B. it will be the responsibility of supervisors to ensure that technical skills appropriate to the research project are taught.
4) Research project supervision, tutorials, Journal Club and seminars.
5) College of MDS Graduate Lecture Series and research project supervision
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1) Through writing a 3000 word essay (60% of module marks) and a 1 h (30 question) MCQ exam (40% of module marks)
2a) SAQ exam (60%) and essay (40%)
2b) SAQ exam (60%) and essay (40%)
2c) A combination of MCQ/SAQ exam (50%) and essay (50%)
3) -5) The research project thesis and viva
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| Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: |
Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: |
and assessed using the following methods: |
1) To appreciate which areas of cancer research are of current importance and future promise for the purposes of continuing professional development.
2) The ability to plan and execute a research strategy in a safe and timely manner, exercising independent thought to promote the research strategy, but seeking guidance from supervisor and other team members where appropriate.
3) The ability to apply appropriate research techniques to acquire high quality data for the selected research project and to record accurately the research results.
4) To search for and critically analyse the published scientific literature pertaining to the selected research project. To use this knowledge to inform analysis of the research project data and to evaluate the results in this wider context.
5) The ability to critically evaluate research data acquired through the project and to apply appropriate statistical analyses.
6) The ability to present with confidence the research data obtained during the project by written and oral means, both within the research team and to a wider audience.
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1) Lectures, tutorials, Journal Club, research seminars and independent study;
2) Research project supervision;
3) Research project supervision and professional development;
4) Tutorials, Journal Club and research project supervision;
5) Research project supervision;
6) Journal Club, tutorials and research project supervision.
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1) Writing essays and MCQ exam;
2) Writing a research project dissertation;
3) Writing a research project dissertation;
4) Formatively by presenting a journal paper and a work-in-progress of the research project. Summatively by writing a research project dissertation;
5) Writing a research project dissertation;
6) Formatively by presenting a journal paper and a work-in-progress of the research project. Summatively by writing a research project dissertation.
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