View Specification DocumentBSc (Med Sci) & BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Specialist Course 4: Bench to Bedside Oncology MED4037
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
- Credits: 30
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course provides research-focused exposure to the aetiology of cancer, its prevention, screening, therapy and palliation. This in-depth understanding is designed to provide students with insight into the basis of translation of cancer research from the laboratory to clinical practice.
Timetable
On average approximately 6 x 1.5 hour sessions per week in Semester One, and 2 x 1.5 hour session per week in Semester 2.
Requirements of Entry
Mandatory Entry Requirements
Actively enrolled in an MBChB or BDS and normally have successfully completed at least the first 3 years. Exceptionally, some external students from specific partner institutions may join the course after completion of two years of MBChB or BDS (or equivalent); however award of the intercalated degree will be withheld until they have subsequently completed the required number of additional credits (or equivalent) at their home institution.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Will normally be placed within the top 50% of the year and have demonstrated good academic progress.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Core Course
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Research Project
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Statistics
Assessment
Assessment
65% written examinations in April/May
35% review essay completed during 2nd semester
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course aims to supplement the standard medical curriculum by providing a research-based understanding of the development and spread of cancer, together with a critical appreciation of how this new scientific knowledge might affect current and future prevention screening, therapy and palliation. The emphasis will be on principles rather than details and on giving a discriminating insight into the challenges of tackling one of our most important health problems.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to
■ Critically discuss, with reference to the appropriate literature, the basic principles of:
■ cancer epidemiology;
■ development of cancer;
■ invasion and metastasis;
■ molecular and clinical genetics of cancer;
■ cancer diagnosis and staging;
■ Describe the principles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy;
■ Summarise and identify appropriate palliative and nursing care options for cancer patients;
■ Critically discuss recent developments in cancer research.