Introduction to Cancer Studies

Subject 563-805 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.000
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 5 hours per week of seminars for 12 weeks, 10.5 hours non-contact study time per week for 12 weeks, one Introductory Day per semester of 8 hours. (Total hours per semester: 194 hours)
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Nil
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Associate Professor Sanchia Aranda
Subject Overview:

This subject is for students without prior knowledge of malignant diseases. It will introduce the student to an understanding of the cellular processes involved in the development and progression of cancer. This will include basic principles of palliative care. The subject combines seminars led by experts on the topic under review and comprehensive reading materials reviewing the relevant literature. Distance learning students will receive reading materials, taped discussions of the seminars and copies of the PowerPoint presentations used by presenters.

Assessment: 40%: Clinical Case Commentary on the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with cancer with a discussion of the management issues at arose over time (Max: 4,000 words) - Due week 5; 40%: Essay on theoretical aspects of cancer management in response to a clinical problem or symptom presented by a patient in your setting (Max 4,000 words) - Due week 10; 20%: Oral presentation and write-up (Max 1,000 words). Students will choose a weekly topic to present.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: A course outline will be provided.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

This subject is designed to enable students to:

  • understand broad principles of carcinogenesis, epidemiology, and the natural history of common cancers in humans;
  • describe basic principles of cancer treatment, including palliative care;
  • formulate approaches to management of common clinical problems that develop in patients with cancer.

On completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • understand broad principles of carcinogenesis, cancer epidemiology and the natural history of common cancers in humans;
  • describe the basic principles of cancer treatment;
  • formulate approaches to management of common clinical problems that may arise in patients with cancer;
  • understand the principles of palliative care.
Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Psycho-Oncology
Graduate Diploma in Psycho-Oncology

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