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Queen's University Belfast

Molecular Pathology of Cancer - Blended Learning

Overview
Molecular Pathology is at the heart of delivering precision or personalised medicine. It is having a major impact clinically revolutionising how we diagnose and treat our patients. Molecular pathology integrates genomics, digital imaging and bioinformatics with modern pathology approaches to underpin molecular diagnostics, theranostics and clinical trials delivery within medical research, health services and industry.

This PG Certificate in Molecular Pathology of Cancer includes traditional learning. It focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, addressing the ethos of Genomic Medicine in the 21st century. The course concentrates on the analysis of cancer using key technologies including high-throughput genomics (Next Generation Sequencing) and artificial intelligence (Digital Pathology).

PG Certificate in Molecular Pathology of Cancer
Completion of taught components in Semester 1 only

Entry requirements

Entrance requirements
Graduate
A 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant biological subject is required. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required *taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
•Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
•Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Duration

1 year part-time.

Careers or further progression

Career Prospects
Introduction
This programme will produce high calibre candidates who can thrive in the academic, health care delivery or bio-industry sector.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Further enquiries

Postgraduate and Professional Development 
Clinical Reader & Consultant Pathologist (Molecular Diagnostics)
CCRCB
pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Course Structure
All candidates completing the PG Cert in Molecular Pathology will undertake traditional 'face to face' teaching for the three modules in Semester 1. This will be timetabled teaching. Some of the teaching sessions within the modules also form aspects of formal teaching for other PG programmes, providing the students with the opportunity to interact with other Masters students from different disciplines, which we feel enhances the student experience.

(1) Cancer Biology, Immunology and Genomics (15 CATs)

The main objective of this module is to develop students who will have acquired the knowledge and skills to understand basic cancer biology, cancer genomics, cancer immunology and cancer molecular epidemiology as they develop skills for self-directed and life-long learning.

(2) Molecular Diagnostics (25 CATs)

This module will increase the student's knowledge of the principles of targeted therapy and the tests that are currently in practice. To do so, the student will acquire key knowledge on the main aspects of a molecular diagnostic test from beginning to end.

(3) Translational Research (20 CATs)

The module will introduce the students to new products (biomarkers, medicines) and processes (medical devices, technologies) which are developed and utilised in translational medicine. Additionally students learn about clinical trials and biobanking and how these support the introduction of novel personalised approaches to the management of patients with cancer.

Comment

Molecular Pathology of Cancer highlights
Queen's Molecular Pathology programme is supported by Cancer Research UK.

Internationally Renowned Experts
•Queens University Belfast (QUB) has an international reputation for the application of Molecular and Digital Pathology in high quality translational research. An integrated Molecular Pathology research environment has been established within the QUB Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) and is supported by the newly established Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence and the Northern Ireland Biobank (NIB). This enhanced research infrastructure also hosts a regional NHS Molecular Diagnostics service for solid tumours.

Learning and Teaching
At Queen's, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

Examples of the learning opportunities on this course include; lectures, practical experiences, using E-Learning technologies, Self-directed study all of which give experiences to enhance employability.

Candidates applying for this Certificate are required to be in attendance in Belfast from September to January. Teaching takes place during the day.