MSc Cancer Immunotherapy

Institution University of Nottingham
Method At the institution
Location Nottingham
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc Cancer Immunotherapy

Objectives This is the only MSc course in the UK to specialise entirely in cancer immunotherapy. The biggest modern breakthrough for cancer treatment has been antibody therapies. An increasing number of biotechnology companies have antibody – or vaccine-based - cancer therapies in development. The course covers both antibody and vaccine cancer therapies, and explores the immunology of the tumour host interface. In addition, you will learn about intellectual property and how to exploit scientific research in scientific writings, patents and in development of business plans applicable to the biotechnology industry. This course has been designed to enable you to: -acquire a specialised knowledge in tumour immunology with particular -reference to monoclonal antibody and cancer vaccines; -develop the critical and analytical power to evaluate scientific literature; -perform a scientific research project; -acquire the ability to communicate scientific results orally and in writing; -learn about business exploitation of cancer therapy.
Entry requirements This course aims to attract students interested in tumour immunology who wish to pursue a career either in industry (biotechnology) or academia.
Academic title MSc Cancer Immunotherapy
Course description Key facts

-This is the only MSc course in the UK to specialise entirely in cancer immunotherapy.
-This MSc has been designed in consultation with biotechnology companies and individuals from industry will lecture on this course.
-The research carried out within Oncology is recognised at an international level
-The latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) confirmed The University of Nottingham's position as a world class research-led institution. Over 60% of the University's RAE scores identified research as being of a level of international excellence.
-This achievement has helped put Nottingham in the world’s top 75 universities according to The Newsweek World University Rankings

Course Content
This course requires you to complete the following taught modules:

• Immunity and the Immune System
• Molecular Basis of Cancer
• Tumour Immunology
• Cancer Vaccines
• Scientific Writing and Business Development
• Monoclonal Antibodies
• Host-Tumour Interface
• Library Dissertation

Please note that all module details are subject to change.

You will also undertake a 60-credit research project conducted over five months in the laboratory of a member of faculty of the School. This module will enable you to experience contemporary research methods by designing a research programme and performing experiments, surveys, or other research activities aimed at solving a specific biomedical problem.

Course Structure
The MSc in Cancer Immunotherapy is taught on a full-time basis over one year (September to late August) or part-time over two years – the part-time route is appropriate for people in full-time employment.

You will take 120-credits’ worth of taught modules, as well as a 60-credit research module.
The research module has an element of peer assessment where student members of the audience are invited to assess their colleagues’ performances according to set criteria and descriptors and will be written up as a scientific paper.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of the course, and regular meetings are scheduled throughout the year.

Course material is delivered in a variety of ways, including lectures, practical sessions, tutorials and problem-based learning sessions.

The online MSc database provides a central point for you to access your timetable, assessment results and easy access to additional module resources provided by staff. You will be expected to work independently, and as part of a group.

The majority of modules are assessed by both written examinations and a combination of oral presentations, a practical and essays. The exceptions to this are the library dissertation, the research project and the scientific writing and business development modules.

It is possible to conduct your research project in an industrial placement. The module is assessed on progress reports (practical skills), a seminar presentation and a scientific paper.