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Cancer in the 21st Century: The Genomic Revolution

Discover how genetics is revolutionising the detection and treatment of the different types of cancer with this online genomics course from the University of Glasgow.

Duration

4 weeks

Weekly study

4 hours

100% online

How it works

Included in an ExpertTrack

Course 3 of 3

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Established

1451

Location

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

World ranking

Source: QS World University Rankings 2020

Develop your understanding of cancer causation and treatment

Cancer Research UK estimates that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. So understanding cancer, and the development of new treatments, is of intrinsic interest to us all.

On this six-week course from the University of Glasgow, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the developments that are transforming the way we understand and treat cancer.

Explore current methods for detecting and treating cancer

In order to move forward and develop new cancer detection and treatment methods, we need to understand where we’ve come from and where we are now.

You’ll start this course by learning how cancer develops in cells and the multistep process of cancer before assessing the different subtypes of cancer and how they are currently diagnosed.

Learn how genomic science is used to understand cancer

The genome holds a lot of information, some of which can indicate the possibility of cancer developing in a person.

This course will take you through how genetics can influence cancer, looking at the family pedigree and inherited predispositions to cancer. You’ll also look at cancer causation, from DNA damage and repair to potential environmental factors.

Discover the link between genetics and effective cancer therapies

The cancer therapies of tomorrow are based on the discoveries of today with cutting-edge science paving the way for more effective treatments.

You’ll delve into the future of cancer therapies and recent developments in this field of medicine. From targeted therapies to personalised cancer medicine, you’ll explore current research efforts as well as the economics surrounding these new treatments.

Week 1
Where Have We Come From? The 'Normal' Cell And Beyond
- Starting Off!
  Welcome to this course, as well as part 1 of our patient story.
- The Normal Cell - How and Why Things Go Wrong
  We'll begin with a recap of the structure and basic function of normal cells and what happens when this goes wrong. Then we'll look in a bit more detail of the how and why of cancer - including the field of epidemiology.
- Cancer Subtypes
  In this activity we consider two questions: What is pathology and why is it important in cancer?
- Evaluating Sources On The Internet: Can You Believe What You Read About Cancer?
  This activity will help you to think more deeply about what you read online. You'll then have the opportunity to put your skills into practice researching more about some of the causes of cancer.
- Week 1 Summary
  A summary discussion and round up for Week 1
Week 2
Where Are We Now?
- Introduction To Week 2
  An introduction to this week's course material and part 2 of the patient experience.
- Tumour Suppressor Genes And Oncogenes
  In cancer cells, the function of tumour suppressor genes is lost, and oncogenes are activated. In this activity you'll learn about how they function and study examples of each.
- The Hallmarks Of Cancer
  Cancer cells share several common characteristics, or 'hallmarks', which make them different from normal cells. In this activity you will learn about these and we will also consider how cells ensure accurate DNA replication.
- Cancer Diagnosis and Screening
  In this activity we will discuss how cancer some of the symptoms of cancer, along with how it is screened for and diagnosed.
- Inherited Predisposition To Cancer and Genetic Counselling
  Here you will learn about how a predisposition to cancer can be inherited in some families. We will also briefly look at the role of the Genetic Counsellor in helping these patients.
- Week 2 Summary
  A summary of what you've learned in week 2.
Week 3
Cancer Treatment And Management: From Traditional To Precision Medicine
- Introduction To Week 3
  Welcome to Week 3 of this course in which we'll look at how cancer is currently treated - including some targeted approaches which have been developed over the past 20 years.
- Current Cancer Treatments
  In this activity we will examine the traditional mainstays of cancer treatment - surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- The Beginnings of Precision Medicine: Breast Cancer, Leukaemia and Lung Cancer
  In this activity you will learn how precision medicine is, to some extent, already applied in breast and lung cancer and certain leukaemias.
- Week 3 summary
  A summary of the material we've covered in Week 3 and a chance to test your learning
Week 4
Where are We Going? The Genomic Revolution
- Introduction To Week 4
  An introduction to the topics we will cover in week 4, as well as the final part of our patient story. As preparation for some later content we will also hear from a doctor involved in clinical trials of new cancer drugs.
- The Bigger Picture: Precision Cancer Medicine And The Tools To Explore It
  We will begin this week by exploring how an understanding of the differences between cancer genomes is vital to the developing field of precision medicine. We will also take a brief look at some of the key bioinformatics tools.
- New Horizons In Cancer Therapy
  In this activity we will cover several exciting areas - including immunotherapy, gene therapy and CAR T-cell therapy. We'll aso touch on the epigenetics of cancer as this gives another insight into treatment targets.
- Can We Afford It?
  In this activity we examine the important issue of the health economics of cancer treatment
- Week 4 Summary
  We hope you enjoyed this final week, and that it has given you an insight into some of the exciting ways in which genomics is transforming our understanding of cancer and the therapeutic approaches used to fight it.