University of Bradford:
Postgraduate Programme specification
University of Bradford
Faculty of Life Sciences
Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
Programme title: Cancer Pharmacology
Awarding
institution:
and
teaching University of Bradford
Final and interim awards:
Master of Science
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7]
Cancer Pharmacology
Programme title:
Programme
approved
accredited by:
/ N/A
Relevant subject benchmark
statement(s):
Duration:
N/A
UCAS code:
N/A
FHEQ Level:
7
Approved :
August 2015
1 year full-time
Introduction
Based upon a greater understanding of the molecular aspects of cancer, new
opportunities for therapeutic intervention have emerged that are effectively ‘target
orientated’. These new therapeutics are quite distinct from the classical
chemotherapeutic agents and they offer the prospect of truly selective cancer
therapies that are tailored towards the individual patients tumour. This is an
exciting time to be involved in cancer therapeutics and cancer pharmacology plays a
key role in drug development. In both the laboratory and the clinic, cancer
pharmacology has had to adapt to the changing face of drug development by
establishing experimental models and target orientated approaches.
This programme will be hosted by the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics which is
situated in the heart of the Universities campus in brand new, purpose built
facilities. The Institute has a strong research ethos and it is particularly well known
as a centre of excellence in Cancer Pharmacology. It is a multidisciplinary
organisation incorporating a broad spectrum of skills ranging from chemistry
through preclinical studies to early clinical trials. This programme is designed to
provide the student with a ‘state of the art’ programme in modern cancer
pharmacology that meets the demand of employers and students at taught post
graduate level.
For career progression within this sector you require a postgraduate qualification.
For pursuit of this type of programme, you will already have a degree qualification,
usually from biological, chemistry, medicine, pharmacological or related disciplines.
The programme promotes advanced scholarship within specialised areas
concomitant with the development of key transferable skills (in IT and
bioinformatics) and research techniques. The programme uses a range of teaching
strategies to promote independent study and research to develop a systematic and
critical understanding of the molecular basis of cancer and cancer pharmacology,
and enhance autonomous learning and personal transferable skills. This
programme will facilitate development of the skills you require for careers in
academia, industry or for further research. Enhancement of your independent
learning skills during the programme will equip you with the skills to succeed as
lifelong learners.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1
Enable you to develop a systematic understanding and critical
awareness of, and skills in, selected disciplines within the field of
cancer biology and pharmacology.
A2
Develop within the context of cancer pharmacology, a comprehensive
understanding of communication, research and scientific method;
A3
Provide you with a detailed knowledge of pre-clinical experimental
approaches and legislative regulations
A4
To provide learning opportunities to enable you to think critically and
to further develop as an autonomous and lifelong learner;
A5
Further develop your ability in a range of personal and key skills.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:
LO1 critically evaluate specialized areas of cancer biology and cancer
pharmacology.
LO2 critically evaluate scientific literature and communicate scientific data.
LO3 critically evaluate and appraise experimental laboratory techniques
with specific emphasis on obtaining a Home Office personal license for
animal studies.
LO4 write and interpret scientific reports.
LO5 write a grant proposal.
LO6 demonstrate self-direction and originality in implementing a research
project, employ appropriate experimental approaches and report your
findings in relation to current research knowledge and understanding.
LO7 demonstrate critical thinking through ability to independently:
 recognise, define and prioritise problems;
 analyse, interpret, objectively evaluate and prioritise information,
recognising its limitations;
LO8 demonstrate a conceptual understanding of research and scientific
method through ability to independently:
 critically evaluate methodology;
 critically analyse and interpret data;
 formulate conclusions based on complete and incomplete data.
 critically evaluate pre-clinical strategies of drug analysis in vitro
and in vivo.

LO9
critically analyze a therapeutic target and current therapeutic
approaches to that specific target.
 sourcing genetic databases to determine genetic variation in the
human and mouse genomes and its influence on pharmacological
response.
Develop autonomy in learning and apply skills in; time-management,
presentation, written communication and problem-solving.
The Curriculum
The Postgraduate Diploma is studied over two semesters, each comprising of 60
Credits studied as double (20 Credit) and linked (20 Credits spread across two
semesters) modules.
The Masters programme follows on from this and
incorporates an additional 60 Credit research project.
The programme is designed as a core curriculum; in both semester 1 and semester
2 you will study units amounting to 40 Credits. A further 40 Credits will be obtained
from the linked modules. In semester 1 all units run in parallel whereas in semester
2 there is an intensive training in Experimental Design in the first four weeks of the
semester followed by study of the other units in parallel over a 7-week teaching
period.
Module
Code
Module Title
Module
Type
Credits
Level
Sem
Core
20
7
1
Core
20
7
1
Option
20
7
1&2
Option
20
7
1&2
Postgraduate Certificate
CR-4001D
CR-4002D
CR-4017L
CR-4008L
Molecular Basis of Cancer and
Cancer Therapy.
Preclinical
models for
drug
evaluation.
Critical Appraisal of a Current
Topic in Cancer Pharmacology
Research and Analytical Methods
in Pharmacology
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1-4 and 7-9, you may exit the programme and are eligible for
the award of Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
BM-9133D
CR-4003D
CR-4008L
CR-4017L
Experimental Design
Cancer Pharmacology
Research and Analytical Methods
Critical Appraisal of a Current
Topic in Cancer Pharmacology
Core
Core
Core
Core
20
20
20
20
7
7
7
7
2
2
1&2
1&2
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1-5 and 7-9, you may exit the programme and are eligible for
the award of Postgraduate Diploma.
Master of Science
CR-4005Z
Research Project (ICT)
Core
60
7
3
If you have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 7 and have achieved
learning outcomes LO 1-9, you are eligible for the award of Master of Science.
The curriculum may change subject to the university programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the
individual modules are employed throughout the programme, and are supported by
Blackboard, the virtual learning environment, provided by the University. A seminar
program involving external speakers with International reputations in the field will
be established and you will have the chance to discuss specific issues with them in
tutorial sessions to be held after the seminar. In addition, the Institute of Cancer
Therapeutics has regular internal research seminars and attendance at these is
encouraged. The teaching methods focus on student-centred approaches to
learning. In this way you will develop the attributes needed for life-long learning
and continued professional development.
Learning outcome LO1 will be developed through a series of lectures, workshops
and directed study and assessed by unseen written examination questions, critical
appraisal, and coursework assignments. Learning outcome LO2 will be developed
and assessed by coursework. Acquisition of learning outcomes LO 3-6 will occur
gradually and cumulatively through a number of modules employing a mix of
lectures, laboratory investigations, coursework, workshops, individual project work
and directed private study. They will be assessed by unseen written examination
using constructed-response (essay) type questions, coursework, grant proposal,
assignments, oral presentation, dissertation and project work.
Directed private study will involve you in a variety of activities, which include
directed reading of selected textbooks and specified source literature, Blackboard
(directed Web-based materials), report writing and other assignments.
The development of learning outcomes LO7 and LO8 will be through involvement in
small-group seminars, Journal Clubs, laboratory investigations and individual
project-based work and assessed by critical appraisal, coursework, seminar paper,
written assignment, oral presentation and project work. Key skills are embedded in
the curriculum and some modules develop or consolidate and assess one or more
of the key skills listed in learning outcome LO9.
More detailed description of the way that learning is related to assessment in the
modules that make up this programme can be found on the module descriptors.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their
ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate
this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules
contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard
pattern of entry qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the
University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some
adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to
contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
Up to 30 students can be admitted onto the Masters programme in Cancer
Pharmacology, and this includes a significant number of applicants from outside the
EU. Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application.
Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s
potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this
particular programme.
Entrance requirements will vary, but are set after
consideration of each applicant’s academic background and achievements and all
other relevant experience. As a general guideline, acceptance on the programme
requires an Honours degree in a related scientific discipline or equivalent. The
expectation is that this would be at 2.2 classification or above. Applicants whose
first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English in
accordance
with
University
Regulations.
For
further
details,
see
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/international/before-you-apply/english-languagerequirements/
Students with prior certificated learning or prior experiential learning may be
accredited on a case by case basis by a claim for recognition of their prior learning
(RPL).
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library at the Faculty of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and
group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow
students.
Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and
individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and
will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the
campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless
network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are
available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a
24/7 IT helpline available.
Student Support & Guidance
The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics will integrate the established practices of the
Department of Biomedical Sciences that has a good reputation in this area with
students on the programme being supported by both a dedicated Programme Tutor
through fortnightly meetings with the cohort of students and allocated individual
personal tutorial support. Regular Staff Student Liaison meetings inform the
programme team of student views and Academic Committee meetings have student
representation. Student academic support also is provided by individual tutors /
supervisors for the Critical Appraisal and Research Project through regular meetings
for the duration of these activities. Formalised formative feedback is given on drafts
of these elements prior to submission. Departmental support is enhanced by
University Learning Support Services that includes Library and Computing services,
a Careers Service and a Disabilities Office.
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both
by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor
who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you.
You will be provided with a
comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning
issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific
queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The
Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any
aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services
(part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues
such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students
can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to
implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support
available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information
resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring
programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to
you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and
graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive
seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their
programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development
Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources
available on their web site http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to
find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on
the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of
other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary
details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the
programme information pages on the University website and via Career
Development Services’ website http://www.bradford.ac.uk/careers/
Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their
marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to
all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a
wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills/index.php
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and
equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where
you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need,
whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information
contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a
leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning,
including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly
reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student
participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the
programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in
programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see
www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
Postgraduate Admissions
Administrator
Institute
of
Cancer
Therapeutics
Faculty of Life Sciences
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
Email:
sls-postgradcourseadmissions@bradford.ac.uk
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/about/ecoversity
/
Tel: +44 (0) 1274 234706
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/life
-sciences/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the
University's regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review
procedures.