COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics programme provides advanced education and practical training in cancer biology, disease mechanisms, molecular diagnostics, clinical applications, and personalised medicine. The course develops a strong understanding of modern biomedical science through a combination of specialist modules, laboratory experience, research activities, and independent study. Students explore advanced biological aspects of diseases, including the mechanisms behind cancer, neurological disorders, respiratory diseases, and infectious conditions, while developing critical thinking, scientific communication, and research evaluation skills through analysis of current scientific literature. The Analytical Techniques module provides expertise in advanced laboratory methods such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, microscopy, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, along with data handling and statistical analysis skills. Through Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, students examine modern approaches to cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment, including biomarkers, cancer genomics, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, pharmacogenomics, and personalised cancer medicine. The Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Techniques module focuses on analysing biological samples for disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and clinical applications. Students gain advanced knowledge of genomics and bioinformatics, including next-generation sequencing, genome editing, computational analysis, personalised medicine, and ethical considerations in modern healthcare. The Pathobiology of Cancer module explores cancer development, including tumour growth, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, immune system interactions, genetic and epigenetic changes, and treatment resistance. The Life Science Research Project enables students to undertake an independent investigation in areas such as cancer research, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or biomedical science while working with research-active supervisors. Learning is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, presentations, and research activities supported by advanced facilities at the Bios building and National Horizons Centre. Students develop practical skills using specialist laboratories for microbiology, tissue culture, molecular biology, bio-imaging, and clinical biochemistry. Assessment methods include practical examinations, presentations, poster sessions, technical reports, literature reviews, evaluations, and a dissertation. The programme prepares graduates for careers in biomedical research, cancer diagnostics, pharmaceutical industries, healthcare laboratories, biotechnology companies, and further academic research.