Cancer Research

Subject MEDI90086 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 02-Mar-2015 to 31-May-2015
Assessment Period End 26-Jun-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 13-Mar-2015
Census Date 31-Mar-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 08-May-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 hours (4 intensive days scheduled across the semester)
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted in the Graduate Certificate in Cancer Sciences (GC-CANCRSC). This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Students should have an understanding of the fundamental biological systems that give rise to cancer, and to the principles of multidisciplinary cancer care.

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit:
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Geoff Mccoll

Contact

School of Melbourne Custom Programs

Award Programs Team

Phone: 61 3 9810 3245

Email: postgrad@commercial.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The Cancer research subject will provide students with an understanding of the breadth of quantitative and qualitative methodology that gives rise to the evidence base in cancer care, biology, prevention and education. Students will be guided through key considerations in the development of rational arguments, hypothesis driven design and ethical components of cancer research. Current cancer research programmes will be used to highlight the strength of a multidisciplinary approach in research design and analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

This subject will provide students with an ability to apply research methodologies in the context of cancer. Students will learn about the structure and skills required to conduct successful research activities. There will be an introduction to a variety of methods for investigation including experimental and clinical trial design, methodology for population-based studies, ethical considerations, and statistical analyses. In addition, critical analysis of the literature will be embedded throughout the subject with exposure to the current active areas of research in cancer. Students will implement these elements into the design of a cancer research project.

At the completion of this subject, students should demonstrate an ability to:

  • Critically examine various methodological approaches used in cancer research
  • Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge for bioinformatic analysis of cancer research data
  • Discuss the ethical, regulatory and statistical principles in cancer research
  • Examine the risks and benefits of cutting edge approaches and new-technologies in cancer research
  • Critically evaluate and communicate cancer research outcomes
  • Construct sound arguments to apply to the development of testable hypotheses for research design
  • Demonstrate well-developed judgment in the application of methodology and statistical methods to research design
Assessment:
  1. Oral Presentation (group format, 30 minutes, 1000 word equivalent) - 20%
  2. Bioinformatics Data Analysis Assignment (1500 words) - 25%
  3. Research Design Assignment (2500 words) - 55%
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://www.commercial.unimelb.edu.au/courses
Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Cancer Sciences

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