Viruses and Cancer BIOL5231

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Infection and Immunity
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course will provide students with the opportunity to undertake a critical in depth review of viruses in cancer pathogenesis and some of the mechanisms by which viruses induce cancers.

Timetable

Lectures and tutorial classes spread over 3 weeks

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

BIOL5199: Current trends & challenges in biomedical research and health

BIOL5200: Technology transfer & commercialisation of biomedical research

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Students will research and write a critical review essay of approximately 1000 words on a given title related to Viruses and Cancer.

Course Aims

The aim of the course is to provide students with:

■ a critical understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which viruses contribute to oncogenesis,

■ knowledge about how viral infections can be diagnosed, treated and prevented and

■ insights into strategies used in cancer research

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Assess the mechanisms by which viruses cause cancer and the cellular and molecular mechanisms

Critically assess evidence to support a viral aetiology for cancer

Critically evaluate the methods available to diagnose, treat and/or prevent viral infections in cancer

Critically discuss and assess strategies used in cancer virus research

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.