Molecular Pathology of Cancer (MSc) (Blended Learning)

Course Details

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)

(2) Molecular Pathology – Diagnostics and Technologies (25 CATs)

(3) Translational Research (20 CATs)

Semester 2

Candidates will complete three modules which will be available ‘online’ as distance learning modules. 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.

(1) Digital Pathology (20 CATs)

(2) Biostatistical Informatics (20 CATs)

(3) The Academic-Industry Intersect (20 CATs)

Molecular Pathology of Cancer Dissertation

Students will be able to plan their research project and work on their literature review during semester 1; beginning the practical work for their research project in Semester 2, as they wish. Research projects will be available across a variety of subjects. Potential project areas for the MSc will include – Molecular Neuropathology; Cancer Immunology; Liquid Biopsies; Digital Pathology; Biobanking; Molecular Diagnostics; Bioinformatics. A number of projects will be put forward from 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.

Course Modules

Three Modules will be delivered in each of Semester 1 and 2

Semester 1

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

(2) Molecular Pathology – Diagnostics and Technologies (25 CATs)

(3) Translational Research (20 CATs)

Semester 2 Delivery online as distance learning modules

(1) Digital Molecular Pathology (20 CATs)

(2) Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (20 CATs)

(3) Academia/Industry Interface (20 CATs)

This programme is delivered by blended learning and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

Full-time option: Candidates are required to attend classes in Belfast for the first semester and the second semester modules are delivered on-line. The Dissertation is completed over the Summer.

Part-time option: taken over a 3 year period. Year 1 would include attendance in Belfast for the first three modules which are taught as a block in the Autumn semester. The second three modules are delivered by Distance Learning in the second semester of Year 2 and the Dissertation completed in Year 3.

Assessment is by a combination of oral presentations and written assignments. The research project is written up as a dissertation (20,000 words).

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 Certifice in Pathology Informatics & Business Application,the teaching is delivered online as distance 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 molecular neuropathology, cancer immunology, liquid biopsies and cancer, digital molecular pathology, biobanking, molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics.

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.