Professional/Short course Cellular Pathology and Oncology

Content

The module syllabus typically includes the following:

Technical aspects of Cellular Pathology

• Preparative processes in Cellular Pathology; microscopy; the theory of stain action; immunocytochemistry; cytopathology; molecular techniques used and their application.

Principles of cancer biology

• The hallmarks of cancer; its genetic basis; oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes; cell signalling in tumours; tumour progression; invasion and metastasis; the role of cancer stem cells.
• Cancer screening; diagnosis; grading and staging; existing therapeutic strategies; potential future therapies.

Tissues and organs: Pathology and investigation

• A systematic overview of the structure and function of the major organs, their pathology, and associated neoplastic disease (To include: liver; lung; skin; prostate; reproductive system; gastrointestinal tract; the urinary/renal system;.breast; bone; skin; pancreas; neuroendocrine system).
• Non-neoplastic disease of the major organs requiring cellular pathological investigation; systemic disease such as amyloidosis and renal disease.
• The role of cellular pathology in research; quantitation; quality control.

Learning and Teaching

Scheduled learning
The majority of the taught material will be delivered as lectures, complemented by tutorials and practical classes, but divided into discrete sections:

• The early part of the module will focus on the technical aspects of cellular pathology, this will include a practical class where technique will be put into practice and followed by a tutorial session to both review and reinforce learning, and provide guidance for a written assessment based on the laboratory work.
   
• The next section will focus on the cellular and molecular biology of cancer. This will be largely lecture-based and include a tutorial exercise on the grading and staging of cancer.
   
• The remainder of the module will focus on different organ systems each week, their pathology and cellular pathology approaches to disease investigation. This section will include two practical classes - one focussing on prostate pathology and amyloidosis, the second on the grading and staging of solid tumours.
   
• The final section will also include tutorials on current research frontiers, the use of immunocytochemistry in research, the use of molecular techniques in cellular pathology, and cancer screening programmes - where you may be given reading materials or case studies in advance and will be expected to actively participate in the session.

Independent learning
In addition to lectures, and practicals, you are expected to prepare for tutorial sessions by carrying out designated reading tasks. Furthermore, you are expected undertake further independent reading - with guidance given during lectures. This reading is designed to support your learning both for the completion of coursework, but also in preparation for the final exam to ensure both breadth and depth to their knowledge.

The expected time dedicated to independent learning is 228 hours.

Study time

The contact hours (72) are distributed as follows:

• 51 hours of lectures
• 9 hours of practical classes
• 12 hours of tutorials/seminars (including 3 hours of revision sessions)

In addition to the described contact time, this material will be supported through online learning material, including online quizzes and technology-enhanced lecture material.

Independent learning: Using defined TEL strategies includes hours engaged with essential reading, assignment preparation and completion etc.

Assessment

The coursework based assessments will cover the broad curriculum via a laboratory based assessment and a personal research-based poster presentation (on a current topic relevant to pathology).

The final summative assessment will be in the form of an end of module exam.

Coursework:
You will be asked to write a report based on the stain theory practical class, but will be expected to demonstrate extensive further reading on both the technical and pathological aspects of the work. This will allow you to critically evaluate scientific literature and current clinical practice.

The second coursework element will require you to produce a poster based on a piece of current research in either cancer biology or histopathology. You will be expected to provide an oral defence of this poster.

Exam:
The final element is a three hour examination comprising of essay type questions. Allowing you to demonstrate both the breadth and depth of knowledge of the topics.

In addition to these assessments, you will be given formative feedback in lectures and tutorials.