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Genome Stability, Genetic Diseases and Cancer (C7129)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

The design of new therapies for cancer depends on first understanding the molecular events that cause the disease. Genomic DNA is damaged spontaneously, by chemical carcinogens and by radiation. If unrepaired, this damage leads to mutations, cancer and other developmental disorders. All cells have evolved a sophisticated array of repair and response mechanisms to deal with DNA damage.

In this module, you aim to understand the molecular mechanisms that control DNA repair and appreciate how defects in genes involved in these repair processes are associated with different, in many cases cancer-prone, genetic disorders.

You will review and critically evaluate recently published experimental evidence, as advances in this area rely on a combination of biochemical analysis, genetic approaches and bioinformatics.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 25 hours of contact time and about 125 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.