Biomedical Science - Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer MRes

**Explore the characteristics of cancer from inflammation to genome instability while carrying out research that could save lives.**<br/><br/>One in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime (NHS). But there is hope. Research is not only improving future treatment, but the World Health Organization say 30-50% of cases are preventable.<br/><br/>Studying this course, you’ll explore the Hallmarks and Enabling Characteristics of Cancer. This includes looking at areas such as invasion and metastases, deregulating cell energetics, avoiding immune destruction and genome instability. We’ll also discuss how research can identify genetic, environmental, and behavioural risk factors.<br/><br/>**Kickstart your research career**<br/>Research and innovation are in our DNA. Our academics have paved the way for advancements in cancer research, including creating thalidomide analogues for cancer treatment, developing cancer antibodies through plant engineering, and researching new therapies to stop advanced skin cancer.<br/><br/>You’ll learn from experts exploring DNA replication and repair, as well as experts who are unravelling oncogenic processes and developing anti-cancer strategies. <br/><br/>**Why St Georges?**<br/>- NIHR Clinical Research Facility – we carry out early-phase translation and complex clinical studies. Our clinical trials benefit from our expertise in measuring laboratory endpoints on site and with rapid turnaround.<br/><br/><br/>- Expert research community – you’ll have access to specialist equipment and expertise in clinical, epidemiological and laboratory research. Your project might involve working with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.<br/><br/><br/>- Intense research training – completing an MRes means you’ll spend nine months working on a research project and receive one-to-one training. Past students have even been listed as authors of published papers.<br/><br/><br/>**Course content**<br/>Whichever biomedical science pathway you pick, you’ll complete three core modules: Research Methods, Statistics and Research Project Planning and Management. <br/><br/>All of the core modules provide advanced training in biomedical research and help you interpret data. You’ll develop specialist skills in tissue culture, handling of clinical specimens, flow cytometry, gene cloning and protein techniques, microbiological techniques and more.<br/><br/>You’ll also study clinical and pathological aspects of cancer and the molecular mechanisms behind the disease. At the same time, we’ll discuss current treatments and how research translates into novel treatments.<br/><br/>**Your research project**<br/>Unlike MSc courses, you’ll complete an extensive research project which involves spending up to nine months working as part of a research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical samples or staff on our hospital sites.<br/><br/>During the first term, you’ll meet potential supervisors and pick a project. Past projects explored the cellular pathways involved in cell proliferation and cell death, and the cancer cell response to treatments and metabolites.