London: An innovative masters degree in Cancer Sciences that will allow graduates to take a bench to bedside approach towards studying the disease has been launched by the University of Glasgow.
The "bench to bedside" approach will enable graduates to work within a multi-disciplinary environment comprising of leading scientists and cancer specialists to address the latest challenges in cancer diagnosis, research and treatment.
It will equip the students with the complexities of early and effective diagnosis, identifying cancer and patient-specific treatment, and overcoming partial response and recurrence after treatment, the statement said.
This course brings together scientists and clinicians from research centres, universities and hospitals around Glasgow to deliver the very best in cancer research.
The PG programme is unique in the UK as it delivers integrated teaching in molecular biology, cell biology, pathology and clinical science.
Each week of the 12-month long course is focused around one of the new Hallmarks of Cancer, with a lecture on molecular/cellular biology followed by a lecture on how this hallmark can be targeted in the clinic.
Theoretical or practical training in relevant methodology is then followed by a tutorial session.
The ultimate aim of the programme is to train cancer researchers who can break down the barriers that currently prevent discoveries at the bench from being translated into treatments at the bedside.
The one-year programme, starting in September this, will be based at the university's world-class Institute of Cancer Sciences, a statement released by University said.
It aims to prepare post-graduate students for a career in cancer science, whether they aim to pursue a PhD or further medical studies; seek a career in the health services sector; or wish to enter the life sciences, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries.
The year-long programme costs UK pounds 17,250, the University said in a release.
According to the latest figures from the WHO, for 2012, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer in the world has leaped to more than 14 million a year significantly up from the 2008 figure of 12.7 million.
Lung cancer accounts for 13 per cent of cases while breast cancer is now the most common cancer for women in 140 countries.
The WHO predicts the number of cancer cases will reach more than 19 million a year by 2025.
The global increase is being linked to rapid shift in lifestyles in the developing world to more closely reflect industrialised countries, notably with rising rates of smoking and obesity.
