Master of Cancer Sciences

The Foundations of Cancer subject aims to immerse students in the research literature that has constructed the current biological paradigms in cancer biology. Students will understand the complexity in pathways and drivers that result in dysregulated biological processes and disease. Research literature will support critical examination of the interplay between these biological processes, past and current treatments and the evolution of cancer in an individual.

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The Cancer Research subject will provide students with an ability to apply research methodologies in the context of cancer. Students will learn about the structure and skills required to conduct successful research activities. There will be an introduction to a variety of methods for investigation including experimental and clinical trial design, methodology for population-based studies, ethical considerations, and statistical analyses. In addition, critical analysis of the literature will be embedded throughout the subject with exposure to the currently active areas of research in cancer. In the Cancer Research subject, students will be tasked with developing their own hypothetical cancer research project as part of the assessment portfolio. For students undertaking the full Masters course, this is an opportunity to explore a research topic of their choosing, which may inform their Research Thesis Capstone (MEDI90098/MEDI90099) project.

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In conjunction with Research Capstone Part 2 (MEDI90099), this subject builds on the Cancer Research subject (MEDI90086) by supporting students with the research, design and presentation of a project proposal and substantial literature review that will form the basis of their research project.

In doing so, students will put into practice the advanced theoretical knowledge they have learnt during other Master of Cancer Sciences subjects and have the chance to explore an area of interest to them in detail. It will reinforce their abilities to evaluate existing research, utilise appropriate methodological techniques in cancer research, and to critically analyse and reflect on data.

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Building upon the previous subject (MEDI90098 Research Capstone – Part 1), this subject provides opportunities to extend, deepen and apply knowledge, skills and attributes, in the context of a research project.

This subject enables students to engage in the implementation, analysis and communication of a research project that demonstrates their advanced theoretical knowledge and critical reflection skills. It provides the opportunity for integration of their prior learning from the course, and demonstration of their advanced practice, focusing on an area of interest. During this project, students will have the unique opportunity to be closely trained and supervised by leading experts in oncology. It will reinforce their abilities to evaluate existing research, utilise appropriate methodological techniques in cancer research and to critically analyse and reflect on data.

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There is now a vast array of diagnostic tools and techniques available to clinicians to aid in cancer diagnosis. In this subject, students will learn the indications, mechanisms and utility of each of these diagnostic tools. Students will also learn about the best practice diagnostic pathways that exist to facilitate accurate, efficient and cost-effective cancer diagnostics.

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In this subject, students will gain a detailed understanding of all aspect of the drug development pipeline, beginning from the basic science research that triggers investigation of a new therapeutic strategy, through pre-clinical and clinical testing and final introduction to the general market. It will also cover practical issues such as funding considerations and the regulatory frameworks that exist to ensure patient safety and eventual medication approval. The design and methodology utilised in international drug discovery initiatives will be utilised to illustrate previously successful approaches.

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The Cancer Prevention subject aims to outline the concepts, methods and applications underpinning cancer prevention at a population level. It will explore the concepts of primary, secondary (screening and early intervention) and tertiary prevention strategies to improve cancer outcomes. Case based discussion will demonstrate the epidemiological and applied behavioural research involved in reducing the risk of incidence of cancer and recurrence.

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The Cancer in Society subject aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the cancer burden in modern society. This will include a detailed review of the epidemiology of cancer and how this varies internationally. Students will explore the attitudes, behaviours and risk factors that influence cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. They will also examine the influence of the commercial sector, law and public policy on cancer mortality and morbidity. Social, political and financial considerations of cancer care will also be addressed.

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Cancer throughout the lifespan will describe the specific factors associated with the care and treatment of children, adolescents, young, middle aged and older adults and geriatrics with cancer; from the time of diagnosis to the time of death. To address the complex needs of different age group cohorts, there is a need to look at the patient holistically to manage their complex medical conditions.

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With the rapidly increasing volume of patients with a diagnosis of cancer there are an increasing number of patients having to deal with the consequences of cancer. This subject will provide an evidenced-based, best practice approach to both palliative care and survivorship care. It will address the physical, emotional and spiritual consequences of diagnosis, treatment and the supportive care services that address those. Students will also develop a detailed understanding of palliative care, its goals, techniques and limitations. In doing so, students will also explore the role of the multidisciplinary teams in various health care delivery models and how that influences patient centred care.

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The Cancer Therapeutics subject aims to examine the benefits and limitations of various treatment modalities available for patients with cancer. Case studies will be used to integrate this information to understand and evaluate the modern era of integrated cancer care and the role of multi-disciplinary team-based patient management. The subject aims to provide breadth of knowledge and perspective with regards to cancer treatment and patient centred care.

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This subject provides students with an introduction to the theory and application of qualitative inquiry. Topics that will be examined include: orientations to, and debates surrounding, qualitative approaches; the collection, display and analysis of qualitative data; the use of systematic methods of data reduction, display and analysis and how qualitative research methods are commonly used in evaluation studies.

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In Adaptive Leadership, students learn and apply core knowledge, skills and tools to recognize and navigate leadership opportunities and challenges in the context of digital transformation and dynamic competitive environments. The subject focuses in particular on how to build individual and collective capacity for change and agility.

To this end the subject focuses on leadership competencies in four domains:

• Personal effectiveness (including how to manage attention, and self-care)
• Ethical Judgement (including recognizing and managing biases and personal values in decision making)
• Creativity and Innovation (including the design thinking process, and testing ideas through experiments)
• Organisational Development (including managing organizational learning, and engaging stakeholders and communities)

Building on current academic research and leadership practice, students devise actionable strategies to address complex day-to-day leadership challenges in a context of organizational complexity, disruptive technologies, and diverse stakeholder needs and demands. Students develop skills for critical analysis and reflection, for individual and collective decision making , and for supporting well-being in uncertain and challenging conditions. This subject includes lectures with leading experts, case studies, contemporary readings and resources, webinars, and facilitated online group discussions.

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