Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology (Online Learning)
Provided by The University of Edinburgh Medical School
About the course
This new programme will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to tackle the challenges related to cancer diagnosis and treatment in the 21st Century.
The programme will integrate an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of cancer with the knowledge and skills required to rapidly translate this understanding to new personalized treatment protocols and diagnostic tools. Individuals with this dual expertise are essential in the rapidly advancing field of precision oncology.
Courses will be delivered by expert scientists and clinicians from the world-renowned Edinburgh Medical School.
This is a three-year online programme with the option of graduating after:
- year 1 with a postgraduate certificate (60 credits required)
- year 2 with a postgraduate diploma (120 credits required)
- year 3 with a Masters (180 credits required)
Year 1
In Year 1, you will study 5 courses:
Molecular Biology of Cancer 1: the hallmarks of cancer
You will cover the hallmarks of cancer and learn how these influence the aetiology and treatment of the most common cancer types.
Precision Oncology I: Multi-omics approaches in oncology
You will learn the basics of multi-omic technologies (to explore epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome) and be able to demonstrate how these are being used to improve patient outcomes.
Core Data Analysis and Presentation Skills in Cancer
You will be given an omics dataset and be taught how to analyse the data with statistics in R, bioinformatic analysis, and digital pathology software. You will learn how to present the data to peers and to the public, and how to write reports.
Molecular Biology of Cancer 2: tumour host interactions
You will explore tumor intrinsic and extrinsic conditions of the host that impact tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. Specifically, you will investigate immune evasion and immunotherapies, the tumour microenvironment, and how metabolic and hormonal changes influence tumour growth. How this knowledge can be harnessed to improve therapies will also be discussed.
Precision oncology II: cancer drug discovery and clinical application
This course will focus on drug design and mechanism of action from chemistry, phenotypic screening to clinical trials and biomarker identification. You will learn from success stories of local drug discovery and benefit from input from specialist nurses, trial coordinators, and patients.
Year 2
You will select six electives from a choice of ten:
- Cancer vaccine sciences
- Reproductive tract cancers
- Comparative oncology and veterinary cancer
- Epigenomics and cancer
- Lifestyle, genes, and cancer
- Infectious causes of cancer
- Data analysis with R
- Innovative approaches to health challenges across disciplines
- Science communication and engagement for practice
- Fundamentals of cancer with focus on infectious causes
Year 3
In your third year, you will undertake an original research project with the support of a dissertation supervisor. The dissertation is an opportunity to further develop your expertise in an area of interest through an independent and original piece of research. You will develop skills in research techniques, analysing data, report writing and presentation.
Why Choose this Programme?
Study something you are passionate about
Cancer related morbidity and mortality are set to increase significantly in the next 20 years. This programme aims to develop practitioners and researchers who are focused on making a significant contribution to reducing the burden of the disease globally.
Learn at an internationally renowned Medical School
Edinburgh Medical School is internationally renowned in the fields of cancer cell biology and precision oncology, and a world leader in advancing research into real-world applications.
Grow a lifelong network of experts in the field of cancer research
Our programme team brings together experienced clinicians and world-changing researchers. Through ‘meet the scientist’ and ‘meet the clinician’ sessions you will expand your professional network of experts who are leading developments in patient care, clinical trials, drug development, and research.
Learn alongside like-minded professionals around the world
A big part of your learning experience is achieved through engaging with your peers, exchanging ideas, and developing different perspectives to solve problems. You will be part of a global community that, together with academic staff, will form the foundation of your network.
This is a three-year online programme with the option of graduating after:
- 1 year with a postgraduate certificate (60 credits required)
- 2 years with a postgraduate diploma (120 credits required)
- 3 years with a Masters (180 credits required)
Year 1
In Year 1, you will study 5 courses:
- Molecular Biology of Cancer 1: the hallmarks of cancer
- You will cover the hallmarks of cancer and learn how these influence the aetiology and treatment of the most common cancer types.
- Precision Oncology I: Multi-omics approaches in oncology
- You will learn the basics of multi-omic technologies (to explore epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome) and be able to demonstrate how these are being used to improve patient outcomes.
- Core Data Analysis and Presentation Skills in Cancer
- You will be given an omics dataset and be taught how to analyse the data with statistics in R, bioinformatic analysis, and digital pathology software. You will learn how to present the data to peers and to the public, and how to write reports.
- Molecular Biology of Cancer 2: tumour host interactions
- You will explore tumor intrinsic and extrinsic conditions of the host that impact tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. Specifically, you will investigate immune evasion and immunotherapies, the tumour microenvironment, and how metabolic and hormonal changes influence tumour growth. How this knowledge can be harnessed to improve therapies will also be discussed.
- Precision oncology II: cancer drug discovery and clinical application
- This course will focus on drug design and mechanism of action from chemistry, phenotypic screening to clinical trials and biomarker identification. You will learn from success stories of local drug discovery and benefit from input from specialist nurses, trial coordinators, and patients.
Year 2
You will select six electives from a choice of ten:
- Cancer vaccine sciences
- Reproductive tract cancers
- Comparative oncology and veterinary cancer
- Epigenomics and cancer
- Lifestyle, genes, and cancer
- Infectious causes of cancer
- Data analysis with R
- Innovative approaches to health challenges across disciplines
- Science communication and engagement for practice
- Fundamentals of cancer with focus on infectious causes
Year 3
In your third year, you will undertake an original research project with the support of a dissertation supervisor. The dissertation is an opportunity to further develop your expertise in an area of interest through an independent and original piece of research. You will develop skills in research techniques, analysing data, report writing and presentation.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Enquire
| Start date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|
| 08 Sep 2025 | Distance learning | Book now |