Course Structure
Taught component - Formal teaching will extend over two semesters.
Semester 1
All candidates 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. Collectively, the modules would be sufficient for a Certificate in Molecular Pathology.
(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.
Through out Semester 1 students are also introduced to basic processed processes to support learning bioinformatics but this is not formally assessed in semester 1.
Semester 2
Candidates will complete three modules which will be available 'online' as digital learning modules.
(1) Digital Pathology (20 CATS)
This module will discuss modern aspects of digital pathology in education, research and diagnostic practice. The module will also appraise the students of the full spectrum of image analysis techniques ranging from morphological analysis, pattern recognition, machine vision, quantitative IHC and FISH analysis. Students will be introduced to key concepts regarding deep learning algorithms and artificial intelligence in digital pathology.
(2) Biostatistical Informatics (20 CATS)
In this module students will be introduced to data types, data distributions, and hypothesis testing. In addition they will learn about and be able to evaluate testing for statistical associations and differences between data types including parametric/non-parametric tests.
(3) The Academic-Industry Intersect (20 CATS)
During this module students will be provided with a clear understanding of the academia-industry intersect. Students will develop skill sets to enable them to foster collaborative interactions with biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors.
Note: Successful completion of Semester 1 modules plus Semester 2 modules without the research dissertation would be sufficient for a Diploma in Molecular Pathology. Collectively, the modules in Semester 2 without the Semester 1 modules would be sufficient for a Certificate in Pathology Informatics and Business Application.
Molecular Pathology of Cancer Research Project
Students will be able to plan their research project and start work on their literature review during semester 1. Depending on the type of research project practical work may start in early Semester 2.
Students work full time on their research from the end of Semester 2 teaching.
Research projects will be available across a variety of subjects. Potential project areas include – Image analysis of immuno-oncology biomarkers; Application of liquid biopsies in Molecular Diagnostics and Research; Digital Molecular Pathology analysis of the tumour microenvironment; Biobanking and quality assurance metrics; Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology. Some projects will be put forward from through the network of CRUK Accelerator Partners for those students with CRUK Accelerator bursaries who may wish to undertake their research as a placement at one of the partner sites.
Comment
Molecular Pathology of Cancer highlights
Queen's Molecular Pathology programme is supported by Cancer Research UK.
Global Opportunities
•The partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences provides opportunity to study in the USA. This 4-year Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) provides students the opportunity to undertake a postgraduate taught programme in Year 1 at QUB (refer to link below for full list of programmes), followed by a PhD at NCI in Years 2-4. Further information is available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/CCRCB-DTP
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) the 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. The MSc in Molecular Pathology of Cancer has a clear resonance with the Doctoral Training Programme in Precision Cancer Medicine in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology; it also complements other postgraduate courses within the School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Science. Including the MSc in Cancer Studies (Research) and the MSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics.
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.
The MSc and Postgraduate Diploma programmes are delivered via blended learning. During the first semester, students are required to attend three modules in Belfast, the mode of teaching delivery is more traditional and is a combination of course lectures, seminars, practical experiences and self-directed learning. The classes vary in timing throughout the morning and afternoon. In the second semester, this includes the teaching for the Postgraduate Certificate in Pathology Informatics & Business Application, the teaching is delivered online as digital learning modules utilising a bespoke virtual learning environment. For those candidates undertaking the MSc a research project will be undertaken and potential project areas include, cancer immunology, liquid biopsies and cancer, digital molecular pathology, biobanking, molecular diagnostic, bioinformatics and molecular neuropathology.
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.