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Book of Modules 2011/2012 |
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Students should note that all of the modules below may not be available to them. International visiting students should consult the International Education Office regarding selection of modules. Undergraduate students should refer to the relevant section of the UCC Undergraduate Calendar for their programme requirements. Postgraduate students should refer to the relevant section of the UCC Postgraduate Calendar for their programme requirements. |
CB7001 Cancer Biology Advanced Laboratory Skills I
Credit Weighting: 15
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 15.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 1 x 12weeks(s) Other (Laboratory work, self-directed study and seminar).
Module Co-ordinator: Prof Rosemary O'Connor, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Biochemistry; Staff, College of Medicine and Health.
Module Objective: To provide a hands-on, practical experience in experimental design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting methods used in a biological research laboratory.
Module Content: Each student is required to complete a twelve-week project based on individual research in a selected field of cancer biology, under the supervision of a staff member in the PhD Scholars Programme in Cancer Biology. Results will be compiled in a written project report, formatted as a scientific article, including (i) a summary, (ii) introduction, (iii) methods, (iv) results, (v) discussion, and (vi) references. As part of a mini-symposium, students will formally present their project and results in a 20-minute oral presentation to project supervisors, assessors, and mini-symposium attendees.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the biological basis and context of the research project undertaken.
· Gain knowledge of the key techniques, both their advantages and limitations, used to answer research questions in cancer biology.
· Apply practical laboratory skills and methodologies to answer research questions in cancer biology.
· Synthesize a revised experimental approach or method based upon troubleshooting experiences and data obtained.
· Evaluate selected areas of cancer biology through independent study and the laboratory research project.
· Develop transferable skills in: written and verbal communication; data recording, analysis and presentation; critical evaluation of published material;ability to work in collaboration with others, as well as independently; and project and time-management.
Assessment: Total Marks 300: Continuous Assessment 300 marks (Assessment of student experimental ability, 180 marks; written project report, 90 marks; oral presentation, 30 marks).
Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: There is no Supplementary Examination.
CB7002 Cancer Biology Advanced Laboratory Skills II
Credit Weighting: 15
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 15.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 1 x 12weeks(s) Other (Laboratory work, self-directed study and seminar).
Module Co-ordinator: Prof Rosemary O'Connor, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Biochemistry; Staff, College of Medicine and Health.
Module Objective: To provide a hands-on, practical experience in experimental design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting methods used in a biological research laboratory.
Module Content: Each student is required to complete a twelve-week project based on individual research in a selected field of cancer biology, under the supervision of a staff member in the PhD Scholars Programme in Cancer Biology. Results will be compiled in a written project report, formatted as a scientific article, including (i) a summary, (ii) introduction, (iii) methods, (iv) results, (v) discussion, and (vi) references. As part of a mini-symposium, students will formally present their project and results in a 20-minute oral presentation to project supervisors, assessors, and mini-symposium attendees.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the biological basis and context of the research project undertaken.
· Gain knowledge of the key techniques, both their advantages and limitations, used to answer research questions in cancer biology.
· Apply practical laboratory skills and methodologies to answer research questions in cancer biology.
· Synthesize a revised experimental approach or method based upon troubleshooting experiences and data obtained.
· Evaluate selected areas of cancer biology through independent study and the laboratory research project.
· Develop transferable skills in: written and verbal communication; data recording, analysis and presentation; critical evaluation of published material; an ability to work in collaboration with others, as well as independently; and project and time-management.
Assessment: Total Marks 300: Continuous Assessment 300 marks (Assessment of student experimental ability, 180 marks; written project report, 90 marks; oral presentation, 30 marks.).
Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplementary Examination.
CB7003 Cancer Biology Advanced Laboratory Skills III
Credit Weighting: 15
Teaching Period(s): Teaching/Research Period 3.
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 15.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 1 x 12weeks(s) Other (Laboratory work, self-directed study and seminar).
Module Co-ordinator: Prof Rosemary O'Connor, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Biochemistry; Staff, College of Medicine and Health.
Module Objective: To provide a hands-on, practical experience in experimental design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting methods used in a biological research laboratory.
Module Content: Each student is required to complete a twelve-week project based on individual research in a selected field of cancer biology, under the supervision of a staff member in the PhD Scholars Programme in Cancer Biology. Results will be compiled in a written project report, formatted as a scientific article, including (i) a summary, (ii) introduction, (iii) methods, (iv) results, (v) discussion, and (vi) references. As part of a mini-symposium, students will formally present their project and results in a 20-minute oral presentation to project supervisors, assessors, and mini-symposium attendees.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the biological basis and context of the research project undertaken.
· Gain knowledge of the key techniques, both their advantages and limitations, used to answer research questions in cancer biology.
· Apply practical laboratory skills and methodologies to answer research questions in cancer biology.
· Synthesize a revised experimental approach or method based upon troubleshooting experiences and data obtained.
· Evaluate selected areas of cancer biology through independent study and the laboratory research project.
· Develop transferable skills in: written and verbal communication; data recording, analysis and presentation; critical evaluation of published material; an ability to work in collaboration with others, as well as independently; and project and time-management.
Assessment: Total Marks 300: Continuous Assessment 300 marks (Assessment of student experimental ability, 180 marks; written project report, 90 marks; oral presentation, 30 marks.).
Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module:
End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplementary Examination.
CB7004 Cell and Molecular Biology
Credit Weighting: 10
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 1.
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 30.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 18 x 2hr(s) Lectures; 18 x 1hr(s) Directed Study; Seminars.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Kellie Dean, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Biochemistry, Guest Lecturers.
Module Objective: To provide an overview of cell and molecular biology that governs normal and neoplastic cell growth, proliferation, function and death, with an emphasis on analysis of research articles.
Module Content: Eukaryotic DNA replication, repair mechanisms and DNA damage response. Cellular senescence, crisis and cell death by apoptosis. Telomeres and telomerase. Cell cycle regulation, cyclin, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), and CDK inhibitors. Eukaryotic transcription, RNA polyermases, promoters, transcription factors and transcripts. RNA processing: capping, splicing and poly-adenylation. Eukaryotic translation: initation, aminoacylation, elongation by ribosomes, and the genetic code. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanisms. Post-translational modifications and protein degradation. Growth factor signalling and regulation of signalling pathways. Endocytosis, cell trafficking, cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and migration.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Outline the key biological processes involved in the flow of information from DNA to RNA to proteins in eukaryotic cells.
· Discuss fundamental events such as cell growth, proliferation, migration, senescence, and apoptosis, highlighting the specific roles of sensor and effector molecules.
· Connect changes in the external cellular environment to a specific cellular response.
· Compare cellular and molecular mechanisms used in normal cells to those in cancer cells.
· Predict how the cellular and molecular mechanisms used by cancer cells lead to new targets for therapeutic intervention.
· Analyze primary literature and participate in critical discussions of selected research articles.
· Assess current research techniques used with respect to information gained and possible limitations.
Assessment: Total Marks 200: End of Year Written Examination 150 marks (to be taken at end of module); Continuous Assessment 50 marks (Written assignments (2x15 marks; 30 marks total) and in class presentation of research article (20 marks).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination; Continuous Assessment.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Winter.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 3 hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn. Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (as specified by Module co-ordinator).
CB7005 Human Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering Techniques
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2.
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 30.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 12 x 2hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Directed Study.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Thomas F Moore, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Biochemistry, Guest Lecturers.
Module Objective: To achieve an overview of advanced principles and techniques of human molecular genetics and genetic engineering relating to cancer.
Module Content: Genetic alterations in cancer: aneuploidy, gene amplification, translocations, copy number variations; Chromatin alterations in cancer: epigenetics, DNA Methylation, histone acetylation, tumour suppressor promoter hypermethylation, loss of imprinting, influence of dietary components, possible therapies; Inherited susceptibilities in Prostate, Colon, Breast cancer; MicroRNAs: mechanisms, use in diagnosis and prognosis; Genetic tools: microarrays, genomics, proteomics; Animal models: rodents, companion animals; Potential new genetic therapies, vaccination, siRNA; Genetic screens for novel small molecule therapies.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Describe the key molecular genetic processes that occur during carcinogenesis.
· Discuss the evidence for epigenetic changes contributing to tumourigenesis.
· Distinguish between different classes of cancer based on their genetic or epigenetic aetiology.
· List the different types of mutations (including chromosomal abnormalities and epigenetic changes) that contribute to human cancer.
· Review the history of the different types of genetic and epigenetic markers used to classify tumours.
· Define and discuss key concepts such as oncogene, tumour suppressor, gene amplification, loss of heterozygosity.
· Discuss the underlying theory and practical pursuit of population genetic studies of cancer susceptibilty.
· Outline the molecular genetic basis of cancer progression and general approaches to the use of model organisms in the study of human cancer.
· Discuss the current status of the various options for pursuing human cancer gene therapy.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 100 marks (to be taken at end of module).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): None.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Spring.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn.
CB7006 Cancer: Biological and Clinical Perspectives
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Period 2 and Teaching/Research Period 3. (Module will run from March until May.).
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 30.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 12 x 2hr(s) Lectures; 12 x 1hr(s) Directed Study.
Module Co-ordinator: Prof Rosemary O'Connor, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, College of Medicine and Health, Guest Lecturers and Clinicians.
Module Objective: To provide an overview of the biology of major cancers and the principles underpinning cancer diagnosis and treatment at different stages of progression.
Module Content: Surgical oncology, vascular biology and angiogenesis, medical oncology, and pathology of cancer. Cancer progression and current and potential therapies related to major types of cancers including: breast, colorectal, gynaecological, haematopoietic, lung, oesophageal, and prostate. Cancer diagnostics and treatment, radiology, CT scanning, and radiotherapy.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Outline the clinical path a patient takes from the general practitioner the radiologist, pathologist, and oncologists (medical, surgical and radiation).
· Describe how selected cancers are detected and managed, how they progress to metastasis, and how they may be prevented.
· Evaluate how cellular pathways, organelles, and tumour microenvironments are targeted by specific anti-cancer therapies.
· Summarise the key biological principles underlying surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology.
· List the key steps in the process of angiogenesis.
· Relate vascular biology to cancer progression and therapies.
· Evaluate new therapeutic paradigms used in the treatment of cancers.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: End of Year Written Examination 100 marks (to be taken at end of module).
Compulsory Elements: End of Year Written Examination.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): None.
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s).
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1½ hr(s) paper(s) to be taken in Autumn.
CB7007 Current Topics in Cancer Biology I
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Periods 1 and 2 and Teaching/Research Period 3.
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 30.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 12 x 1hr(s) Seminars; 12 x 1hr(s) Directed Study.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Kellie Dean, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Biochemistry.
Module Objective: To analyze primary literature and participate in critical discussions of selected research articles in cancer biology.
Module Content: Each student is required to complete an oral presentation(s) on a selected research topic in cancer biology. The student will be responsible for the selection of a recent, high-quality, research article and will present the findings of the research article to the other module participants. The presentation must include an introduction, descriptions and key findings of each data figure, and the importance and/or relevance of the work to the cancer biology field.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Select an appropriate, high-quality research article using information literacy skills.
· Prepare an oral presentation on a selected research article to present to other module participants.
· Outline the background, key findings and significance of selected research articles.
· Evaluate scientific data critically.
· Field questions from the other participants effectively.
· Relate research findings to their own thesis work.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Oral presentation of selected research article(s): 60 marks; Participation and Attendance: 40 marks.).
Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment and Attendance.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No supplementary examination.
CB7008 Current Topics in Cancer Biology II
Credit Weighting: 5
Teaching Period(s): Teaching Periods 1 and 2 and Teaching/Research Period 3.
No. of Students: Min 5, Max 30.
Pre-requisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
Teaching Methods: 12 x 1hr(s) Seminars; 12 x 1hr(s) Directed Study.
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Kellie Dean, Department of Biochemistry.
Lecturer(s): Staff, Department of Biochemistry.
Module Objective: To analyze primary literature and participate in critical discussions of selected research articles in cancer biology.
Module Content: Each student is required to complete an oral presentation(s) on a selected research topic in cancer biology. The student will be responsible for the selection of a recent, high-quality, research article and will present the findings of the research article to the other module participants. The presentation must include an introduction, descriptions and key findings of each data figure, and the importance and/or relevance of the work to the cancer biology field.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Select an appropriate, high-quality research article using information literacy skills.
· Prepare an oral presentation on a selected research article to present to other module participants.
· Outline the background, key findings and significance of selected research articles.
· Evaluate scientific data critically.
· Field questions from the other participants effectively.
· Relate research findings to their own thesis work.
Assessment: Total Marks 100: Continuous Assessment 100 marks (Oral presentation of selected research article(s): 60 marks; Participation and Attendance: 40 marks.).
Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment and Attendance.
Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 50%.
End of Year Written Examination Profile: No End of Year Written Examination.
Requirements for Supplemental Examination: No Supplementary Examination.