Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in chemistry; no previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in the field of science and would like to practice and improve your science writing skills, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. If you intend to complete the Discovering Science program , it is recommended that you complete Discovering Science: Science Writing before starting this course, however this course can still be studied independently. You can use the hashtag #FLmedchem to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

• The origins of cancer chemotherapy and the key milestones in its history.
• The chemotherapy process of targeting cancer cells.
• The use of molecular targeted therapeutics.
• Research exercise: how molecular targeted therapy is being used by researchers in the treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma.
• The function of kinase inhibitors.
• Recent and possible future developments in the treatment of cancer.
• The potential of epigenetics to transform cancer therapy.
• Assignment: prepare interview questions to demonstrate scientific understanding.
• The four main medical imaging techniques and the basic science behind them.
• The medical properties of metals and the impact that medical imaging has made in diagnostic medicine.
• The ‘chelate effect’ and the fundamental role that ligands play in creating contrast agents that are safe for human use.
• The innovative use of X-ray machines in cardiac catheter labs and reflection on the advantages of moving images in X-ray processes.
• The interdisciplinary nature of medical imaging and the importance of effective communication between roles.
• The challenges and drawbacks related to patient safety during the use of diagnostic imaging techniques.
• The ethical considerations associated with imaging techniques.
• Assignment: a peer reviewed task to prepare a set of interview questions for a scientist.