Advanced Cancer Biology and Therapeutics module (BS42039)

​​Building on core cancer biology, this module takes you deeper into the biology of cancer treatment and the science of developing new anti-cancer therapies. You will explore how established treatments work at the molecular level, why tumours develop resistance, and how emerging approaches such as immunotherapy and targeted pathway inhibitors are transforming patient outcomes.  Lectures span a wide range of topics including the DNA damage response, drug resistance mechanisms, clinical trials, and specific cancer types including skin, haematological, breast, brain and ovarian cancers. You will also develop skills in critically evaluating scientific literature relevant to cancer therapeutics.   

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​Develop a broad understanding of cancer treatment strategies, from conventional chemotherapy to modern targeted therapies 
• ​Explore the science behind anti-cancer drug discovery and development 
• ​Analyse real-world data from the scientific literature in cancer therapeutics 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Critique current approaches to cancer treatment and evaluate their limitations 
• ​Evaluate methodological approaches used in developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics 
• ​Interpret relevant cancer therapeutics data from the scientific literature 
• ​Critically assess scientific literature in relevant areas​

Assignments / assessments

​​Summative journal club assessment (40%) 

• ​Formative journal club practice provided before the summative assessment 

​Written exam (60%)​

Teaching methods / timetable

• ​​Lectures 
• ​Workshops 
• ​Literature analysis sessions (incorporating self-directed study of online and VLE-delivered material) 

​Teaching is delivered across Ninewells and City Campus by staff from the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Life Sciences.​