MEDN67672
Biomarkers
15
Semester 2
Postgraduate Taught
Level 6
Kaye Williams
Unit coordinator
School of Medical Sciences
1
FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 '
European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5
<p>The unit will introduce the concept of a biomarker as a characteristic that can be measured and evaluated as an indicator of disease or biological response to therapy, that can be derived from analysis of biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues or from imaging data. The types of biomarkers currently used- tissue, imaging, circulating will be discussed in the context of how and why they are applied. Examples will be drawn from areas of cancer biology and drug development alongside those directly related to radiotherapy. Comprehensive review will be undertaken of current biomarkers, techniques utilized and the "pros and cons" of various approaches, matched to clinical application and current unmet need. The unit will span molecular biomarkers through to imaging, bringing in the concepts of signatures and "omics" as required.</p>
<p>The unit will introduce the concept of a biomarker as a characteristic that can be measured and evaluated as an indicator of disease or biological response to therapy, that can be derived from analysis of biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues or from imaging data. The types of biomarkers currently used- tissue, imaging, circulating will be discussed in the context of how and why they are applied. Examples will be drawn from areas of cancer biology and drug development alongside those directly related to radiotherapy. Comprehensive review will be undertaken of current biomarkers, techniques utilized and the "pros and cons" of various approaches, matched to clinical application and current unmet need. The unit will span molecular biomarkers through to imaging, bringing in the concepts of signatures and "omics" as required.</p>
<div><p>The unit aims to:<br />Provide students with an understanding of what biomarkers are, what they can be derived from and critical insight into how they can be used in patient and disease management and clinical decision making. <br />The unit will detail the linkage between clinical unmet need, biomarker derivation and validation, with a focus on linking key biological phenomenon underpinning radiation response with biomarker development.</p></div>
1
Written exam
50%
3
Report
50%
<p>Feedback will be provided within 15 working days of submission.</p>
N
Tutorials
35
0
115