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Queen Mary Summer School

Cancer Prevention

Cells

Overview

Module Convener: Professor Richard Grose

The course will provide clear understanding of the different types of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that are related to the pathogenesis of cancer. The first section will review the principles of cancer initiation, promotion and progression. The second section will focus on the individual, controllable  factors that can affect cancer risk: 1) smoking;  2)  body mass index; 3) physical exercise; 4) alcohol consumption; 5) diet (pro-carcinogenic and anti-carcinogenic dietary substances);  6) UV radiation; and 7) vaccination against oncogenic viruses. The third section will focus on principles of cancer screening and the limitations of cancer screening test development . The benefits and harms of current cancer screening tests will be reviewed. The fourth section will review the essential roles of education, motivation, incentivization, and psychosocial environment (mental health, stress, socialization, education,  financial status) on compliance with cancer-lowering behaviors of individuals and the larger impact of compliance  on the public health, nationally and globally.  It will  showcase the  value of multidisciplinary approaches in achieving the compliance needed to change health outcomes around the world.

Course content is subject to approval.

Course aims

The  purpose of this course is to educate students preparing for careers in medicine, allied health professions and research about the controllable factors that have the greatest potential for lowering cancer risk in all patients, no matter what their genetic background. The module reviews  the  scientific evidence on non-heritable factors that modulate cancer risk  in populations and individuals as well as their mechanisms of action.  The module further explores the principles of human psychology that play roles in abetting or compromising patient compliance with the risk-lowering behaviors that are the focus of this module. Ultimately, through this new knowledge, the module aims to empower the students to reinforce cancer risk-lowering behavior. 

Teaching and learning

By studying this course, you will learn to:

Academic content

  • understand fundamental principles of carcinogenesis
  • evaluate the data supporting different types of environmental factors that initiate and promote cancer
  • analyze the role of human behavior modulation in achieving the goals of cancer prevention 

Disciplinary skills

  • display skills in summarizing and explaining scientific evidence in oral and written communication
  • demonstrate skill in critical appraisal and analysis of the scientific literature and the ability to judge and interpret methods and results
  • integrate information of different types from different sources to construct a coherent presentation on a scientific topic 

Attributes

  • acquire fundamental knowledge in the area of human cancer prevention
  • adapt the principles of cancer prevention science into effective patient support for risk-lowering behavior modification
  • engage and communicate effectively about cancer prevention and cancer risk modulation through behavior change

Fees

The Queen Mary Summer School costs: £2,100 per session, which includes tuition and social programme. 

We offer a 10% discount to:

  • Students and staff from partner institutions
  • Alumni
  • Current Queen Mary students 
  • Anyone who is accepted into the program and pays before the 31st of March

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation is £1029 per session. For further information, please visit our accommodation page.

Additional costs and course excursions

There may be additional costs for field trips, such as entry to exhibitions, which will be in the region of £30.
All reading material will be provided online, so it is not necessary to purchase any books.

Please note there is no deposit payment required for the Queen Mary Summer School.

Entry requirements

We welcome Summer School students from around the world. We accept a range of qualifications:

  • if your home institution uses the four-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale, we usually require a 3.0 GPA
  • if your home institution uses the letter scale, you will need to have a B+

We welcome international qualifications and we consider every application individually on its academic merit.

English language requirements 

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English isn’t your first language, you must meet one of the following English Language requirements in order to join the Queen Mary Summer School:

  • If you hold a degree from a majority English speaking country plus Canada you may use this degree to satisfy the English language requirements for entry, provided the degree was completed no more than 5 years before the start date of the course to which you are applying.
  • IELTS, 6.5 overall or higher
  • TOEFL Internet Based Test we require a minimum of 100 (L22; S25; R24; W27)
  • China UEE (University Entrance Exam) -  110
  • CET 4 – 550 or CET 6 – 490
  • PTE Academic 68
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English 185 70- grade C (old marking system)
  • Applicants with an alternative qualification should check it is equivalent to the above or contact us at summerschool@qmul.ac.uk

How to apply

Applications are now open!

Have a question? Get in touch - one of the team will be happy to help!

Applications close 29 May 2023.

 

Teaching dates
Session 2: 24 July - 11 August 2023
Course hours
150 hours (of which 45 will be contact hours)
Assessment
A combination of in-class / laboratory assessment and team work.

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