MSc in Radiobiology

The main aim of this course is to combine the principles of radiobiology at molecular and cellular level with their clinical applications, providing a thorough grounding in radiobiology for MSc students, who may go on to a research degree, to complete a medical degree, or into an industry role or allied profession.

The course is based on a series of overarching learning outcomes, which you will be able to demonstrate on completion of your studies:

• Explain the underpinning physics which governs the interactions between ionising radiation and biological tissues
• Critically analyse the effects of ionising radiation on DNA and the associated DNA damage response, with respect to their effects on cell survival
• Critically appraise the irradiation response of cells and tissues, including the factors that modify this response, with respect to how this may affect clinical practice
• Evaluate the relationship between the characteristics of the tumour microenvironment and the response of that tumour to irradiation
• Critically discuss the risks associated with radiation exposure, at the whole body and population level, and precautions which can be taken to mitigate these risks
• Critically appraise the use of novel external beam radiotherapy techniques for the treatment of cancer
• Explain the rationale and mechanisms of action of common treatments used as alternatives to, or in combination with, external beam radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer
• Explain and evaluate the research approaches used in applied and translational research within the field of radiobiology
• Apply the scientific method to address research questions within the field of radiobiology

Compulsory modules

You will take eight compulsory modules, which are delivered in two-week blocks, following on from each other:

1. Physics of Radiation Interactions
2. Molecular Radiation Biology
3. Radiobiology of Cells and Tissues
4. Tumour Immuno-Microenvironment and Radiation Response
5. Hazards of Radiation
6. Clinical Radiation Oncology
7. Combination Therapies and Theranostics
8. Translational Research Methods and Applications

Modules one to four are delivered in Michaelmas term and build a picture of the biological responses to radiation from the sub-atomic level through to the effects on whole tissues, in both tumours and normal tissue.

Modules five to eight are delivered in Hilary term and cover the application of the underpinning principles of radiobiology in examples ranging from individual cancer patients through to whole populations in studies of radiation exposure.

Balance of teaching

You can expect to receive seven to eight lectures and three to four tutorial or practical classes per module. There will also be preparatory reading, independent study tasks, and formative assessments set throughout the course, to be completed in the non-contact hours. Alongside the module specific tutorials, you will also attend a series of compulsory Directors’ Tutorials throughout the year. These cover overarching themes such as critiquing a scientific paper, or essay writing skills, and help to prepare you for specific assessment methods, including the dissertation.

Attendance

Resources to support your study

You will have access to the Oncology Education Hub, which includes dedicated lecture and tutorial rooms at the heart of the department, alongside an open plan, unassigned seating workspace for masters and first year DPhil students.

There is a regular programme of departmental seminars and poster presentation events, which are open to staff and students. The Oncology Student Network coordinate a programme of student only activities, including both academic and social events.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Oncology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Oncology.

You will be assigned a Director of Studies from the course team, who will help you review your progress, and discuss any concerns you have; your Director of Studies and the course administration team will usually be your first port of call for any queries about your studies. You will also have an advisor at your Oxford college, to whom you can turn if you feel you need to discuss your progress, or anything else pertinent to your study, away from the course team. During the research project you will be allocated a project supervisor who will be responsible for your supervision and training. It is recommended that you arrange meetings with your supervisor on a regular basis, at least every two weeks.

Assessment

Taught modules are assessed by a mixture of submitted coursework, presentations, and timed assessments such as examinations. The taught modules are assessed at the end of the term in which they are delivered. The dissertation is assessed by a written thesis and a poster presentation at the end of the academic year.

You will have the opportunity to submit formative assignments to develop your writing and presenting skills and receive feedback prior to completing your summative assessed work.

Graduate destinations

Typically, approximately 40-50% of MSc graduates in the Department of Oncology go on to study for a doctoral level qualification (DPhil/PhD) and around 30% go on to clinical work in some capacity. Many of our students use the MSc qualification to support their application for medical school, and we often see students who take a year out between pre-clinical and clinical elements of a medical degree to complete the MSc.

College preference

The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Radiobiology: