• University of Glasgow

Cancer in the 21st Century: the Genomic Revolution

Discover how genetics is revolutionising the detection and treatment of cancer, with this free online course.

42,581 enrolled on this course

DNA strand
  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours

Cancer Research UK estimates that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. It is a disease that impacts on most people’s lives at some stage. So understanding cancer, and the development of new treatments, is of intrinsic interest to us all.

This free online course is open to anyone, although it is designed for individuals with a prior interest in biology, including current undergraduate students, and nurses or medics who want to further their knowledge in this area.

Over six weeks, we will examine three key questions about cancer diagnosis and treatment:

  • Where have we come from?
  • Where are we now?
  • And where are we going?

The course will offer insights into patients’ experiences and enable discussions on key issues. Guest lecturers will include active researchers and those involved in direct patient care.

You will also get the chance to undertake your own internet-based investigation into one of the most exciting areas of cancer research.

You can read more about this course in Dr Leah Marks’ post for the FutureLearn blog: “New horizons: cancer and the genomic revolution.”

Download video: standard or HD

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Who is the course for?

A background in biology may be helpful, but isn’t absolutely necessary as the course will build your knowledge week-on-week.

Students who are interested in applying for the Cancer Sciences or Medical Genetics MSc programmes at the University of Glasgow are also encouraged to enrol on this course.

FutureLearners who have completed the University of Bath’s “Inside Cancer: How Genes Influence Cancer Development” course will find that this course builds upon their previous knowledge.

Who will you learn with?

We are the course leads for Cancer in the 21st Century: The Genomic Revolution

Who developed the course?

The University of Glasgow

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities.

  • Established

    1451
  • Location

    Glasgow, Scotland, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 70Source: QS World University Rankings 2020

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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