Applied Cancer Science (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MSc in Applied Cancer Science is a one-year, full-time course, designed to develop cancer research scientists of the future, whether that be in academia or in industry.

High-quality understanding of fundamental cancer science is the bedrock of future cancer innovations. The main aim of this course is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the principles of DNA damage and repair processes, the tumour microenvironment, and tumour immunology and to discuss how this science is used in cutting-edge research towards future therapies.

The course is based on a series of overarching learning outcomes, which you will be able to demonstrate on completion of your studies:

• Critically analyse the importance of understanding the DNA damage repair response for cancer research and treatment

• Evaluate how in-depth knowledge of tumour characteristics can be utilised in targeting cancer therapy

• Critically discuss the application of principles of immunology when studying and developing treatments for cancer

• Conduct, and explain the principles behind, essential experimental techniques required in modern cancer science

• Demonstrate originality in the application of existing knowledge and established techniques to create and interpret new developments in cancer science

• Critically discuss the challenges of translating new discoveries in therapeutics for clinical use

• Apply the scientific method to address research questions within the field of cancer science

Compulsory modules
You will take eight compulsory modules, which are delivered in two-week blocks, following on from each other:

• Genome Regulation

• The Cancer Cell

• The Tumour Niche

• Cancer Immunology

• DNA and Cellular Targeted Therapies

• Tumour Microenvironment Targeted Therapies

• Immunological Therapies

• Translational Research Methods and Applications

Modules one to four are delivered in Michaelmas term and cover the underpinning principles of cancer biology, starting at the level of the DNA before covering the behaviour of individual cancer cells, then tumours, and extending out to discuss the interactions between cancer and the immune system by the end of the term.

Modules five to eight are delivered in Hilary term and cover the application of the underpinning principles of cancer science from the previous term to the development of therapeutic strategies to target different characteristics of cancer.

You will take eight compulsory modules, which are delivered in two-week blocks, following on from each other:

1. Genome Regulation
2. The Cancer Cell
3. The Tumour Niche
4. Cancer Immunology
5. DNA and Cellular Targeted Therapies
6. Tumour Microenvironment Targeted Therapies
7. Immunological Therapies
8. Translational Research Methods and Applications

Modules one to four are delivered in Michaelmas term and cover the underpinning principles of cancer biology, starting at the level of the DNA before covering the behaviour of individual cancer cells, then tumours, and extending out to discuss the interactions between cancer and the immune system by the end of the term.

Modules five to eight are delivered in Hilary term and cover the application of the underpinning principles of cancer science from the previous term to the development of therapeutic strategies to target different characteristics of cancer.

You can expect to receive seven to eight lectures and three to four tutorial or practical classes per module. There will also be preparatory reading, independent study tasks, and formative assessments set throughout the course, to be completed in the non-contact hours. Alongside the module specific tutorials, you will also attend a series of compulsory Directors’ Tutorials throughout the year. These cover overarching themes such as critiquing a scientific paper, or essay writing skills, and help to prepare you for specific assessment methods, including the dissertation.