Programme Specification MSc in Cancer Chemistry 1. COURSE AIMS AND STRUCTURE Background The MSc in Cancer Chemistry is based in the Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester. The MSc builds on the existing strengths in Chemical Biology in the Department of Chemistry, and makes use of some modules that already exist as part of highly successful MSc courses in Chemical Research (Chemical Biology), Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology (run by the Department of Biochemistry), and Molecular Pathology & Toxicology (run by the University of Leicester Medical School). The inclusion of modules on cancer and molecular biology and pathology and toxicology will be particularly beneficial to students with a very chemical background since understanding of these areas is crucial to future design of chemotherapeutic strategies in cancer treatment. The course commences in September and is of 12 months duration (full-time) or 24 months duration (part-time). The course is designed to provide an overview of the theory and practical techniques of molecular biology applied to cancer cells and to molecular pathology and toxicology with emphasis on understanding of molecular mechanisms in cancer and chemoprevention. These provide a context in which to study the chemical approaches to cancer therapy and an introduction to some imaging techniques used in diagnosis. Clearly the early detection of cancer is vitally important for current and future treatment protocols. A 4-month laboratory project in a research laboratory in the University (or in industry) is an integral part of the course. The course is designed to give relevant knowledge and skills to students and the close involvement of the Department with the pharmaceutical industry ensures the suitability of this course for future employment in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and health care industries, as well as in academic research. Aims and Objectives The MSc in Cancer Chemistry aims to: Respond to the national and international need for trained cancer researchers. Familiarise students with the chemistry and molecular biology of cancer cells. Familiarise students with the synthetic and characterisation methods used in the preparation of anti cancer drugs Familiarise students with theprocdures of MRI and the chemistry of contrast agents. Teach the theoretical and practical analytical skills currently used in cancer research. Provide a positive learning environment where students can actively participate in their academic development. Give students direct experience of research during a research project with either a collaborating industrial partner or equivalent research laboratory.
Prepare graduates for employment as scientists in industry, academia or research institutes either by direct entry or following further study. Teach research skills to ensure that graduates are equipped to pursue a career in science. At the end of the course students should be able to: Show core knowledge of the chemical and genetic basis of cancer. Demonstrate a knowledge of the cell biology of cancer cells and the chemical approaches that can be used in cancer diagnosis and treatment Show core knowledge of the methods of preparation and characterisation of small molecule drugs and appreciate how combinatorial chemistry can be used in drug design Use research skills including the ability to design experiments, analyse and interpret data and critically review the scientific literature. Show good laboratory skills and an awareness of safe practices. Demonstrate effective use of transferable skills in oral presentations, report writing and the use of information technology. Demonstrate experience of research through a 4-month project. Course Content and Structure Students will take a test and questionnaire at the start of the course this will be used to help them identify their areas of greatest weakness and will inform their personal development portfolio which will form one of the outputs from the course. Course structure The masters course is based on a three term structure (see below) starting two weeks before the start of the undergraduate term. In term one, the student will take 2 practical courses and one lecture course along with two courses in the chemistry department. In term two, a course in cancer chemistry is taken in the chemistry department, the project supervisor is chosen and a second research methodology module is followed. In term three, for those students who have gained sufficient credits (120), the research project can be undertaken in order achieve the 180 credits necessary for the MSc degree. The research project itself lasts a total of 19 weeks in which students carry out their research on a full-time basis. Students fulfilling 120 credits can be awarded with a diploma.
Term One (Induction week 17/9/07 followed be week on of course, undergraduate Autumn term: 1/10/07 14/12/07) Courses Contact hours Credits 1. Introduction to Molecular Techniques, Practical 2. Research Methods in Cell Biology, Practical 3. Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology, Lectures 4. Characterisation Methods (CH7001) 15 20 20 5. Research Methodology I (CH7051) 45 15 56 90 32 10 15 10 Term Two (undergraduate Spring term: 14/1/08 14/3/08) Courses Contact hours Credits 6. Cancer Chemistry 30 30 7. Research Methodology II (CH7052) 10-15 20 Term Three (masters Summer term: 21/4/08 27/9/08) Courses Contact hours Credits 8a Research Project I (CH7061; research project) 1 560 40 8b Research Project II (CH7062; dissertation) 1 10 8c Research Project III (CH7063; presentation/oral) 1 10 1 For assessment purposes these are linked as CH7061 Total credits: 180 Other MSc courses funded by CRUK London School of Pharmacy, MSc in Drug Discovery (co-ordinated by Dr Michael Munday) King's College, London, MSc in Radiopharmaceutics and PET Radiochemistry (Dr Anthony Theobald) University of Newcastle upon Tyne, MSc in Drug Chemistry (Dr Michael Carroll)
Subject and Professional Skills Intended Outcomes Teaching Methods How demonstrated Knowledge Memorization and understanding of Advanced topics in Cancer Chemistry Concepts Enhanced grasp of the principles of synthesis and characterization. Ability to apply chemical concepts in new situations e.g. the ability to understand how a small molecule can interact with a cell signaling protein. Lectures, independent work (group), specified reading, workshops, Option course lectures, independent work (group), specified reading, workshops, independent work (group), workshops, Marked assignments Written exams, Marked assignments Written exams, Marked assignments Written examination, assessed problems Techniques Practical demonstration of experimental method. Professional use of standard equipment, knowledge of safety procedures Mastery of research methods Supervised laboratory work Research Project Lab samples, associated data, lab-notebooks and reports Research proposal, project report Critical analysis Critical analysis of chemical information Summarise key findings of scientific papers. Abstract writing. Presentation Presentation of chemical information in appropriate formats Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material depending on the context e.g. for an oral presentation or for a written report Participation in scientific discussion Give a 30 minute seminar Appraisal of evidence Understand scientific reasoning and hence plan an investigation using appropriate methods Be able to evaluate different sources of information Recognition that more than one solution may be possible to a problem and may depend on the data available Reading primary research literature, research project Instruction on use of appropriate software, Project supervision group work Project supervision Workshop/ group exercises Workshops, Project report Laboratory notebooks Project reports Group presentations Project presentation Lab work, research proposal Assessed work (oral or written presentation) Project reports
Transferable Skills Intended Outcomes Teaching Methods How demonstrated Managing learning Ability to manage, reflect on and develop own learning Time management Research Skills Progressive improvement in the ability to locate, organise and evaluate evidence, report on findings, analyse complex ideas and solve chemical problems Working Relationships Knowing how and when to draw on the knowledge & expertise of others recognition of strengths and weaknesses of self and others, using this to promote group learning Done via progress files. An entry test will be used to establish areas of strength/weakness lab work and projects Workshops (problem solving) Lab data analysis use of online databases Projects Group problem solving Negotiating duties for group tasks Progress file will be discussed with tutor Meeting deadlines, project assessment Written exams, coursework Library exercises Project report Laboratory assessment Group assessment (outcomes and peer assessment) Communication skills Response to questioning Ability to deliver an oral presentation using appropriate visual aids Laboratory notebook Report writing, conforming to standard chemical conventions. Data Presentation Ability to present chemical information clearly and effectively in appropriate format Workshops Lecture, advice from project supervisor use of powerpoint Writing workshops Research methods lectures and exercises, use of Chemical Software, e.g. drawing or molecular modelling Oral assessment (vivas) Oral presentation for modules and projects Assessed lab-notebook Project reports Lab reports, assessed problems, project reports, oral presentations Special features: group problem solving, research based projects, independent learning
M.Sc./Postgraduate Diploma in Cancer Chemistry Period of Registration: One year full-time. Entry Requirements: Candidates should have at least a good second-class honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry (or Chemistry with another subject, where Chemistry is the majority of the degree). Applicants who hold a third class degree but have spent time in industry may be considered on their individual merits. Where English is not the first language of the candidate an applicant must show evidence of appropriate language skills. Curriculum: In addition to the taught modules, candidates for the Masters degree also undertake a dissertation or project on an approved topic. Assessment: The pass mark at postgraduate level is 50%. The details of the assessments for individual modules are set out in the relevant Module descriptions. All programmes within the Department of Chemistry follow Scheme B of the Postgraduate Scheme of Assessment. Qualifications Awarded: (i) Candidates who accumulate 120 credits from the taught modules and satisfy the examiners in each of the modules will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. (ii) Notes: (i) (ii) Candidates who accumulate 180 credits, satisfy the examiners in each of the modules and submit a satisfactory dissertation/project will be awarded a Masters degree. Candidates may only be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma or the Masters degree. No candidate may be awarded more than one of the above qualifications. The Masters degree may be awarded with merit or distinction in accordance with the relevant scheme of assessment. Module Code Module Title Credits Compulsory CH7002 Advanced Synthetic Methods 20 CH7031 Cancer Chemistry 25 CH7051 Research Methodology I 20 CH7052 Research Methodology II 20 MB7001 Introduction to Molecular Techniques 10 MB7002 Research Methods in Cell Biology 15 MB7004 Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology 10 CH7061 * MSc Research Project 60 * Only compulsory for the degree of M.Sc.