BMS3012 : Cancer Biology and Therapy
BMS3012 : Cancer Biology and Therapy
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Professor Steven Clifford
- Lecturer: Professor James Allan, Dr Lindi Chen, Professor Julie Irving, Dr Christopher Bacon, Dr Debbie Hicks, Professor Craig Robson, Dr Luke Gaughan, Dr Jack Leslie, Dr Simon Bomken, Dr Daniel Williamson, Professor Laura Greaves
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 97 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality and a major research strength where Newcastle has impacted understanding, practice and policy worldwide. This module, delivered by research leaders, provides a background to the molecular basis of cancer and its therapy. The various causes, cellular and genetic processes central to the development of cancer will be discussed, alongside how this understanding is being exploited for disease detection, diagnosis and therapy.
Outline Of Syllabus
-The genetic and molecular basis of cancer.
-Mechanisms of action of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.
-Cell cycle disruption in cancer development.
-Metastasis and angiogenesis.
-Cell signaling pathways in cancer.
-Viruses in cancer.
-Genetic and chromosomal instability, DNA damage and repair in carcinogenesis.
-Cell states (apoptosis, senescence) in cancer.
-The tumour microenvironment and inflammation in cancer.
-Cancer metabolism.
-Mechanisms of action of standard chemotherapeutics and associated drug resistance mechanisms.
-Molecularly targeted therapies and drug development.
-Cell plasticity and stem cells in cancer development and treatment.
-Treatment-related late effects and molecular survivorship.
-The molecular pathology of cancer.
-Next-generation approaches to understanding cancer.
-Experimental models and imaging in cancer research.
-The therapy of cancer and related challenges.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
-Discuss the genetic and molecular basis of cancer.
-Explain the major cellular processes which contribute to cancer development and progression.
-Discuss the rationale of various cancer therapies.
-Discuss the basis of and problems facing current methods for cancer treatment.
-Discuss current technologies being applied to improve our understanding of cancer, and their applications for cancer detection and diagnostics.
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to
•Critically interpret and synthesize complex information relating to biomedical research
•Have further developed written communication skills.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 23 | 1:00 | 23:00 | In Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | Tutorial - in person |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 174:00 | 174:00 | Writing up lecture notes, revision and general reading. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Assessment lecture - in person |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture materials will provide students with key information. Tutorials will encourage increased understanding of the material through discussion. Private study will allow students to extend their knowledge through reading of journal articles and other recommended references.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | Invigilated exam 2 out of 4 essays |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Molecular Basis of Cancer | 2 | N/A | |
| Biochemistry of Cancer and Chronic Diseases | 2 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 30 | Extended essay - 2000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The assessment provides evidence of knowledge and understanding of the topics.
The open-book essay supports the students’ development of literature-based research, written communication and presentation skills, supplements the main areas of teaching delivered, and helps prepare them for the examination.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMS3012's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BMS3012's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.