MSc in Molecular Medicine Pathways

News 2012

New Cancer and Cardiovascular Pathways were introduced in 2011 to supplement the Genetics, Experimental Medicine and †Neuroscience Pathways.

† The module structure of the Neuroscience Pathway changed in 2011.

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Cancer Pathway

Molecular Basis of Tumourigenesis and MetastasisHow dofailed molecular control pathways – all of which are features of cancer – contribute to cell proliferation, errors in DNA repair, loss of cell cycle control, and the loss of the essential pathways for cell suicide?Howare molecularly targeted therapiesstarting to transform treatment?

Molecular Techniques in Cancer ResearchWhich new techniques and methodologies are currently revolutionising the molecular understanding of cancer? From classic tumour biology to the recent use of genomics and the even more recent use of proteomics, how can we identify the molecular lesions that are essential for the survival and progression of different cancers? We will use current examples to illustrate this approachand we will explore how insights from these studies can inform drug development.

Molecular Approaches to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

How have molecular insights into cancer helped research? How can molecular oncologybe used to improvescreening programmes? How does it currently help in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis? Can it yet be used to select treatments?Examples will illustrate novel molecular insights and you will learn about their clinical context.

Cardiovascular Pathway

Vascular Cell Biologyis founded on research from the Department of Cardiovascular Science. The module explores the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease and is a primer for the next two modules. We explore the cellular mechanisms, molecules and signalling pathways that are involved in the pathology of vascular diseases. Students will gain hands-on experience in the laboratory of cell biology methods that we use to understand vascular biology function. There is a strong emphasis on using experimental approaches to test hypotheses and on applying background knowledge to assess experimental results.

Experimental Models of Vascular Disease examines the use of model systems, including in silico, in vitro and in vivo, for testing hypotheses concerning molecular and cellular mechanisms of vascular diseases. We explore the development of classical and emerging therapies. As an alternative, students have the opportunity to participate in UK Home Office training course modules 1-3, which are needed for a Home Office personal licence for in vivo work in the UK.

Vascular Disease Therapy and Clinical Practice examines how basic science is translated into clinical practice and therapy. We cover global disease epidemiology, drugs for the prevention and management of heart disease and interventional procedures for treatment. We also discuss ethical issues. Students will have the opportunity to visit the cardiovascular and cardiology clinical departments and observe management of patients including interventional procedures like angioplasty and stenting.