Module information
Module details
- Title
- Introduction to Cancer Genomics
- Type
- Rotation
- Module code
- S-CG-R1
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 1
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide trainees with an introduction to the principles and practice of Cancer Genomics. Trainees will appreciate the organisation and delivery of laboratory services for patients referred with a differential cancer diagnosis and common methods used in the processing of clinical samples.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow a sample through the laboratory pathway from sample receipt to final report, and reflect on the journey |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe extraction of DNA and/or RNA from samples, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe a rapid targeted procedure, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe a minimal residual disease monitoring procedure, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Observe an NGS procedure, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe the data quality analysis for a procedure, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow a scientist in Cancer Genomics, and reflect on their role |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 |
Training activities
Explore an innovation in Cancer Genomics, and reflect on the impact this will have on practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review the effect of practice guidelines within the specialty, and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a multidisciplinary meeting where patient results are discussed, and reflect on the meeting |
Type OTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 1 Case-Based Discussion
Complete 1 DOPS or OCE
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform DNA/RNA quantification and discuss the quality of the sample.
- Book in a variety of samples, ensuring the samples meets acceptance criteria.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Gather a patient history relevant to the specialty from a patient, patient representative, or another Healthcare Professional.
- Present a patient history relevant to the specialty to another Healthcare Professional.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the contribution of Cancer Genomics to patient care. |
| 2 | Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary team in Cancer Genomics. |
| 3 | Describe the working practices of Cancer Genomics. |
| 4 | Examine the impact of innovation in Cancer Genomics. |
| 5 | Review the effect of legislation in Cancer Genomics. |
| 6 | Compare and contrast the practice of Cancer Genomics with other specialties. |
Clinical experiences
Activities
There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Explain nucleic acid and chromosome structure and function.
- Explain the basics of cell cycle control, proliferation and death.
- Apply integrative knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, and how changes within genes of various categories may result in an altered phenotype.
- Demonstrate extended understanding of the molecular basis of tumour growth, angiogenesis, tissue invasion and metastasis.
- Critically evaluate the design, operation and performance of the tests and procedures required to enable selection of safe and appropriate analysis for patients with suspected cancer.
- Apply integrative knowledge of genomic testing of cell free tumour DNA in blood, for the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer.
- Critically evaluate the application of quality assurance methodologies for cancer genomics.
- Describe the partnership of cancer genomics with other clinical specialisms in the investigation and management of neoplastic disorders and contribution to patient care.
Indicative content
- Introduction to the human genome.
- Cell biology, meiosis and mitosis.
- Chromosome structure and function.
- Nucleic acid structure and function, chemical structure of DNA and replication, transcription and translation.
- An overview of cell cycle control, cell proliferation and death.
- Understanding the definition and differences between malignancy and transformation.
- Basic knowledge of genetic repair mechanisms.
- An overview of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, to include tumour growth, angiogenesis, tissue invasion and metastasis.
- Principles, strengths limitations and associated standards of relevant testing procedures in cancer genomics, to include: DNA/RNA extraction techniques qPCR, digital PCR, NGS, STR and fragment analysis.
- DNA methylation.
- Appreciation of the partnership of cancer genomics with routine histopathology, haematology and other relevant clinical specialisms.
Module assigned to
Specialties
| Specialty code | Specialty title | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty code SLS4-3-23 | Specialty title Cancer Genomics [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-4-22 | Specialty title Histopathology [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS4-1-22 | Specialty title Genomics [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SBI1-1-22 | Specialty title Clinical Bioinformatics Genomics [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS4-3-22 | Specialty title Cancer Genomics [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SBI1-1-23 | Specialty title Clinical Bioinformatics Genomics [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS4-1-23 | Specialty title Genomics [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-4-23 | Specialty title Histopathology [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS4-3-24 | Specialty title Cancer Genomics [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SBI1-1-24 | Specialty title Clinical Bioinformatics Genomics [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS4-1-24 | Specialty title Genomics [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-4-24 | Specialty title Histopathology [2024] | Action View |