Cancer in the 21st Century: the Genomic Revolution
Discover how genetics is revolutionising the detection and treatment of cancer, with this free online course.
Duration
6 weeksWeekly study
4 hours
Cancer in the 21st Century: the Genomic Revolution
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.”
What topics will you cover?
This six week course examined three key questions about cancer diagnosis and treatment: Where have we come from? Where are we now? And where are we going? It looked at the biological basis of cancer, influences on causation, how it is detected and treated, and the development of new treatment strategies.
Learners gained insights into patients’ experiences, discussed key issues relating to this topic and also had the chance to undertake their own internet-based investigation into one of the developing areas of Epigenetics.
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.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic cell biology as it relates to the development of cancer
- Discuss factors contributing to the development of cancer including environmental and genetic aspects
- Identify current approaches used to identify and treat cancer
- Reflect on strategies which may be used in future cancer therapies and the implications for society
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?
My PhD was in Developmental Medicine and I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Medical Genetics at the University of Glasgow. I have also been a Senior Fellow of the HEA since 2016.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (1997)
PhD Biochemistry (2001)
Postdoctoral Research Associate (2001-2009)
Lecturer, School of Medicine (2009-)
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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
1451Location
Glasgow, Scotland, UKWorld 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
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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