PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc Cancer
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma & MSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Intake cohort(s) to which this
programme specification is
applicable:
From 2014 intake onwards
Awarding institution/body:
University College London, University of London
Teaching institution:
University College London, University of London
Faculty:
Biomedical Sciences
Parent Department:
Cancer Institute
Web page address:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/cancer/
Method of study:
Full time (1 year) and Full Time Flexible (up to 5 years)
Length of the programme:
September to September
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
(the Department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
(if applicable)
Full-time/Part-time/Other
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark
statement (SBS)
(see guidance notes on programme specifications)
Level 7
N/A
Brief outline of the structure of
the programme / its assessment:
(see guidance notes on programme specifications)
Board of Examiners:
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
The course will have 7 required modules in total. There
are two core modules; one on cancer biology and
genetics and one on cancer therapeutics. Together they
are worth 60 credits. These will each be assessed by an
unseen written exam (50%) and coursework (50%).
Additionally, there are 4 specialist modules worth 15
credits each. The specialist modules will each have
formative assessments that are not recorded, along with
one summative assessment each which is worth 100%
for each module. These will take the form of an essay, an
examination or a poster presentation . The final part of
the course is one of the following: laboratory based
research project/clinical trial project/systems biology or
informatics project. This is worth 60 credits. A 10,00012,000 word dissertation and oral presentation at the
midpoint of the research project will be used to assess
the research-based projects.
Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc Cancer Board of Examiners
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
N/A
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme will provide students with an in-depth look at the disease processes which lead
to cancer. Students will learn the approaches taken to predict, detect, monitor, and treat cancer.
Students will also get a strong grounding in the various research methods and techniques used
to study and treat cancerous cells.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and
understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
- The current understanding of
the biological basis of cancer
at the molecular, cellular,
organ system and whole
organismal level
- The historical and current
treatment therapies for
various cancers, and how
their efficacy is assessed
- Laboratory techniques used
to identify, monitor and study
cancer and its treatments
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures, the course textbook: 'The Biology
of Cancer' (Robert A. Weinberg, 2006),
journal articles, self-study, database mining,
wet-lab based experiments/studies, clinical
trial evaluations, discussions/tutorials, etc.
Assessment: Within module marked
assignments, projects, reports, posters or
presentations and unseen written exams.
Written dissertation and oral presentation for
research project module.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
-
Be able to critically read and
evaluate scientific literature
Be able to conceptually
design a research project,
clinical trial analyses or
informatics project
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
- Use various scientific
databases
- Keep a laboratory
notebook/records
- Write a scientific dissertation
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
- Basic statistical
competencies
- Proficiency in various
computer software (e.g.
word processing, citation
based, spreadsheet, graphical
presentations)
- Discussion and oral
presentation skills
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Group discussions, critical reading of journal
articles, experimental/clinical trial
analyses/informatics projects design,
literature reviews.
Assessment: Within module marked
assignments, projects/portfolios, reports or
presentations and unseen written exams.
Written dissertation and oral presentation for
research project module.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures, tutorials, laboratory training,
assigned reading and self-learning
Assessment: Assignments, informal
monitoring by lab/project mentor, research
project oral presentation and written
dissertation
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures, assignments, preparation of
presentations, preparation of research
project report, group discussions
Assessment: Assignments, research project
report, unseen written exams
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a
typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that
are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each
course unit/module can be found in the Departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is
reviewed by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Date of production:
Date of review:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
Dr Julie Olszewski (Programme Leader)
May 2012
November 2015
November 2015
November 2015