MSc CANCER (New for Sept 2009)

UCL Cancer Institute

Applications are open for this exciting new programme designed to reflect the depth and breadth of research within the recently formed UCL Cancer Institute.

The aim of the programme is to look at the biology behind the disease processes which lead to cancer.

Students will learn about the cutting edge research methods and techniques used to advance our understanding of this disease and design better treatment strategies.

This one year full-time taught course with a laboratory research project is designed for those with an undergraduate qualification in biomedical or life sciences, scientists, clinicians, people in industrial or healthcare settings or those contemplating a PhD or medical studies in cancer.

Course Structure and Curriculum:

• Two mandatory ‘core’ modules of 30 credits each: 1) Basic biology and cancer genetics 2) Cancer therapeutics. Each module will consist of a written exam (50%) and coursework (50%).
  
• Nine optional modules, of which students will choose three. Each optional module is worth 20 credits. Each module will consist of a written exam (50%) and coursework (50%). The modules on offer will be (subject to availability):

1. Radiation biology and Radiation Therapy
2. Phase I Experimental Medicine & Clinical Trials
3. Computational Cancer Biology
4. Cancer Epigenetics
5. Cancer Therapeutics: Bench to Bedside
6. Molecular Pathology Genomics
7. Haematological Malignancy & Gene Therapy
8. Design and analysis of cancer studies
9. Behavioural science and cancer

• Laboratory based project or research of 60 credits. Students will undertake a laboratory project, be involved with clinical trials or have a systems biology/informatics project. Students will submit a written dissertation of 10,000 - 12,000 words and have an assessed oral presentation about their research project around the midpoint of the module.

Why study with us?

University College London is one of Europe’s largest and most productive centres of biomedical science with great strengths in cancer research. Scientists at UCL have an international reputation for leading basic, translational and clinical cancer research. The newly formed UCL Cancer Institute brings together scientists from various disciplines to synergise multidisciplinary research into cancer. Our researchers’ particular areas of expertise include:

- the biology of leukaemia
- the infectious causes of cancer
- the design of drugs that interact with DNA
- antibody-directed therapies
- the molecular pathology of cancer
- epigenetic changes in cancer
- gene therapy
- early phase clinical trials
- national and international clinical trials in solid tumours and blood cancers

In addition we collaborate with scientists in nanotechnology, bioinformatics and computational sciences, developmental biology, stem-cell research, immunity, engineering and medicinal chemistry.

A minimum of a second-class Honours degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised university, or an appropriate professional qualification or work experience.

Applications should be submitted directly to UCL Admissions.

The closing date for applications is July 31st.

For more information, please visit the course website.