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Inside Cancer

How Genes Influence Cancer Development

Marie Salter, Dr Momna Hejmadi, Laurence Hurst (Educator), Andrew Ward (Educator), Andrew Chalmers (Educator), Alex Jeffries (Educator), J Licchesi, and Adele Murrell

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 designed as a beginner’s guide to cancer genetics and would appeal to school students, teachers, undergraduates, pharmacists, nurses, medical practitioners, or indeed anyone interested in understanding the molecular basis of cancer. You can use the hashtag #FLgenesbath to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

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 designed as a beginner’s guide to cancer genetics and would appeal to school students, teachers, undergraduates, pharmacists, nurses, medical practitioners, or indeed anyone interested in understanding the molecular basis of cancer. You can use the hashtag #FLgenesbath to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • What is cancer and why do we get it?
  • How rogue cells behave: oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and apoptosis in cancer development
  • Genetic pathways to cancer: angiogenesis, metastasis, cancer stem cells and immune cells in cancer development
  • Diagnostics and treatments: success and challenges of traditional (radiotherapy /chemotherapy) and targeted (immunotherapy) approaches
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Reviews summary

Cancer genetics: a beginner's guide

According to learners, this course provides a clear introduction to the complex topic of cancer genetics. Many found the explanations of fundamental concepts, such as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, to be particularly helpful. Students appreciated the course's design as a beginner's guide, suitable for a wide range of backgrounds from students to healthcare professionals. While generally well-received, some noted that the pace can be challenging for those entirely new to the subject, whereas others with more background found it too basic in parts. Overall, it's seen as a solid starting point for understanding how genes influence cancer development.
Pace and depth vary depending on background.
"As someone completely new, the pace sometimes felt a little fast."
"I already had some biology knowledge, so parts felt a bit slow and basic for me."
"Could use more detail on specific pathways for those wanting depth."
Covers key, up-to-date topics.
"The material felt very relevant to current understandings of cancer."
"Liked the sections on immunotherapy and targeted treatments."
"The topics covered were exactly what I expected and needed."
Provides a solid foundation.
"This course was an excellent first step into the world of cancer genetics."
"Perfect if you need a basic overview before diving into more advanced topics."
"I feel like I have a good base understanding now thanks to this course."
Complex concepts explained simply.
"I found the complex genetic ideas broken down into easy-to-understand parts."
"The way the instructor explained how genes relate to cancer made sense, even with no prior biology."
"Really helped clear up my confusion about oncogenes and tumor suppressors."

Career center

Learners who complete Inside Cancer: How Genes Influence Cancer Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Inside Cancer: How Genes Influence Cancer Development.
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Molecular Biology of Cancer
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular biology of cancer, focusing on the mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression. It also explores potential therapeutic targets and strategies.
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The Biology of Cancer
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the biology of cancer, including the role of tumor suppressor genes in cancer development. Written by a leading expert in the field, this book is an essential resource for students and researchers alike.
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Head and Neck Cancer
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular origins and therapeutic approaches to metastatic cancer. It is written by a leading expert in the field and is considered a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians.
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Apoptosis
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Provides a comprehensive overview of apoptosis, covering the molecular mechanisms, regulation, and role in development, homeostasis, and disease. It is written by leading experts in the field and is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
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Molecular Biology of the Cell
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This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of topics in molecular biology, including apoptosis. It provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in apoptosis and discusses its role in development, homeostasis, and disease.
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Radiation Oncology Self-Assessment Guide
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Perez & Brady's Principles and Practice of...
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A practical handbook that provides quick access to key information on radiation oncology, including treatment protocols, guidelines, and clinical data. It useful reference for radiation oncologists and medical professionals involved in patient care.
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A comprehensive textbook that covers the clinical aspects of radiotherapy physics, including treatment planning, dosimetry, and quality assurance. It is written by a renowned expert in the field and is essential reading for radiation physicists and medical physicists.
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DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer
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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of oncology, including the latest research and clinical applications. It is written by leading experts in the field and is essential reading for anyone involved in the treatment of cancer.
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DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles...
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Cancer Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and Biotherapy
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The Physics and Technology of Radiation Therapy
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Surgery
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Provides a concise overview of the genetics of cancer, focusing on the key principles and concepts. It is written in a clear and accessible style, making it suitable for students and those new to the field.
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Photodynamic Therapy
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Hormones, Genes, and Cancer
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Provides a broad overview of the genetics of cancer, including the role of tumor suppressor genes. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
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Clinical Nuclear Medicine
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Apoptosis
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Provides a general overview of apoptosis, covering the molecular mechanisms, regulation, and role in development, homeostasis, and disease. It is written by a leading expert in the field and is suitable for undergraduate students and general readers.
Apoptosis: Physiology and Pathology
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Apoptosis: Volume 322
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Cancer Immunotherapy
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This practical guide provides detailed information on clinical trial design, conduct, and reporting in cancer immunotherapy. It's particularly relevant for researchers and clinicians involved in clinical trials or planning to launch new trials.
Cancer Immunotherapy: Chapter 20. Recombinant...
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The Atheist and the Holy City
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This classic textbook provides a historical perspective on the discovery and characterization of oncogenes, as well as their role in cancer development.
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International Cell Biology 1980–1981
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Provides a comprehensive overview of somatic cell genetics and its application to the study of cancer. It covers topics such as cell fusion, chromosome transfer, and gene mapping.
International Cell Biology 1980–1981: Papers...
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100 Chemical Myths
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This workbook provides exercises and questions to help students understand the genetic basis of cancer. It valuable resource for students and those new to the field.
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Textbook of General Surgical Oncology
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Provides a practical guide to the use of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer.
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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (2 Vol...
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This comprehensive textbook provides a broad overview of internal medicine, including a chapter on cancer that discusses the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine: 15th...
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Cancer Biology
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This comprehensive textbook provides a detailed overview of oncology, including a chapter on the molecular basis of cancer that discusses the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
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Cancer Biology
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Course image
Time
16 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institution
University of Bath
Instructors
Marie Salter
Dr Momna Hejmadi
Laurence Hurst (Educator)
Andrew Ward (Educator)
Andrew Chalmers (Educator)
Alex Jeffries (Educator)
J Licchesi
Adele Murrell
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