School of Molecular Medical Sciences

MSc in Cancer Immunology

and Biotechnology

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Support: Each student is allocated a

personal tutor at the beginning of

the course, and regular meetings

are scheduled throughout the

year. The University provides

many other sources of support

including the Counselling Service,

Office for Disability Issues, Study

Support Centre, Student Advice

Centre, International Office plus

many more.

First-class facilities:The University library service

provides access to more than a

million books and journals and

extensive IT facilities are available

across all campuses. Postgraduate

students have their own Graduate

Centre and social space within the

Medical School. This all helps to

maintain our reputation for

excellence.

Stimulating Environment:The School of Molecular Medical

Sciences is a lively and varied

school, carrying out research into a

variety of topics. The MSc is offered

in a Division that has a very sound

teaching and research base as well

as experience in biotechnology. We

have consulted biotechnology

companies in designing this course

and individuals from industry will

lecture on the course.

What do we offer?

The CourseAims of the CourseThe biggest modern breakthrough for cancer treatment has been antibody

therapies. An increasing number of biotechnology companies have antibody- or

vaccine-based cancer therapies in development. This course aims to attract

students interested in tumour immunology who wish to pursue a career either in

industry (biotechnology) or academia. The course covers both antibody and

vaccine, cancer therapies and explores the immunology of the tumour host

interface. In addition, students will learn about intellectual property and how to

exploit scientific research in scientific writings, patents and in development of

business plans applicable to the biotechnology industry. To gain practical

experience in research students will carry out a research project in the field of

tumour immunology.

Aims and Objectives

� Acquire a specialised knowledge in tumour immunology with particular

reference to monoclonal antibody and cancer vaccines

� Develop the critical and analytical power to evaluate scientific literature

� Perform a scientific research project

� Acquire the ability to communicate scientific results orally and in writing

� Learn about business exploitation of cancer therapy

Why choose this course?

If you are interested in learning about cancer immunotherapy then this is the only

MSc course in the country to specialise entirely on this subject.

“A course in Cancer Immunotherapy would provide valuable training for

people wanting to seek a career in the biopharmaceutical industry where

much of the research and development effort is focused on targeted

biological therapies for cancer.” (Quote from Biotech company)

Students from this course have gone on to study for a PhD, work in industry and

study medicine.

Entry RequirementsStudents should hold a good honours degree in a biological science, medical science

or related subject. Exceptionally, students without a first degree but with at least a

Higher National Diploma plus Accredited Prior Experiential Learning in the form of a

minimum of 2 years training in a statutory approved laboratory may be admitted.

Applicants whose first language is not English must normally achieve an overall score

of 6.5 on the IELTS test (no less than 6 in any element), 573 on paper based TOEFL

with 4.5 in written English, or 230 on the computer based TOEFL with 4.5 in the essay

element. Tests must have been taken within the last 2 years.

Course Structure

Fees for students who are British/EU citizens or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, together with

three years residency in the UK/EU prior to the start of the course will be set at approximately £4480 per

year. Fees for International students will be around £14,260 per year. Costs are subject to increase each

academic year, so please check prices at the time of application.

Details of available studentships are available on our web site:

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mol/msc_courses

The University estimates that a figure of approximately £7,200 will be required for a single student spending

twelve months at Nottingham. This figure includes accommodation, subsistence, purchase of clothing and

books, some entertainment and internal travel. It does not cover the international airfare or the University

fee.

What are the costs?

Immunity & the immune system (10 credits)

An overview of the mechanisms and concepts

underpinning the science of immunology.

Molecular basis of cancer (20 credits)

A series of lectures giving students an in-depth

understanding of normal cell regulatory mechanism and

how these are altered during the carcinogenic process.

Tumour immunology (10 credits)

An overview of immunological approaches to cancer

immunotherapy and immunological mechanisms and

how these may be used to optimise therapeutic

approaches.

Cancer vaccines (10 credits)

A series of lectures and discussion groups providing

information on cancer vaccines: what makes a good

vaccine, different vaccine designs, animal models and

immunological techniques. This module will cover

subjects that have been introduced on the tumour

immunology module in more depth.

Scientific writing and business development

(20 credits)

A series of lectures and workshops giving information

on writing and applications for patents, writing grants/

papers and making posters. Invited speakers from

industry will contribute to this module. In addition

students will learn how to write a business plan on a

cancer immunotherapy concept. Students will write a

grant proposal on their intended research project and in

groups students will generate a business plan.

The MSc is available as a one-year full-time course or a two-year part-time course for people in appropriate full-

time employment

The majority of modules are assessed by both written examinations and a combination of oral presentations, a

practical and essays. The exceptions to this are the library dissertation, the research project and the scientific

writing and business development modules.

Monoclonal antibodies (20 credits)

This module will provide information on the generation

of monoclonal antibodies, clinical trials involving

antibodies and the future uses of antibody therapy in

cancer prevention.

Host-tumour interface (20 credits)

This module highlights the current understanding of the

immunobiology of tumours. This will include the

following topics: immunosurveillance, tumour

resistance, regulatory T cells, antigenic targets,

cytokine therapy, non-specific immunity and animal

models.

Library dissertation (10 credits)

Students will write a dissertation of approximately

4,000 words on a cancer immunotherapy topic. The

primary aim of the module is the development of the

students’ ability to research a subject in depth and

produce a written and oral presentation.

Research project (60 credits)

The research project will be undertaken on a tumour

Immunology related subject and will allow the student

to learn the practical and intellectual skills necessary

for scientific investigation. The student will also gain

experience in project management and acquire more

specialised skills related to the project. Students may

be able to perform their projects in industrial

placements. This module is assessed on progress

reports (practical skills), a seminar presentation and a

scientific paper. Examples of project titles can be found

on our website.

‘This subject is currently undergoing massive expansion and yet qualified graduates

are difficult to find. The industry as a whole would benefit from having a source of students with this qualification and from our point of view, such a course may

provide candidates that are potentially useful to our company’.

MSc Course Enquiries

School of Molecular Medical Sciences

A Floor, West Block

University Hospital

Nottingham

NG7 2UH

Tel: +44 (0)115 823 0775

Fax: +44 (0)115 823 0759

Email: mol-postgrad@nottingham.ac.uk

Web: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mol

Applying for a place

The SchoolMolecular Medical Sciences is a lively and diverse school, with ongoing

research in Molecular and Cellular Bacteriology, Virology, Immunology,

Human Genetics and Translational Cancer Research.

We have around 40 members of academic staff and more than 60

research and support staff. This fosters an exciting and active

environment for all of our postgraduate students - there are

approximately 80 MSc students and 75 research students within our

school alone. The School attracts funding from a variety of sources,

including the Research Councils, European Union, Medical Charities and

Industry.

The MSc course is co-ordinated by staff within the Academic Unit of

Clinical Oncology. The Department is based at the City Hospital, a short

distance from the University of Nottingham campus and centre of

Nottingham. A regular bus and shuttle service operates between the

City Hospital and the University Medical School.

International StudentsThe University of Nottingham is a popular choice for international

students, with over 6000 students coming from more than 130 different

countries. The International Office provides support and information

right through from the time of application to when you graduate. A

welcome week is provided prior to the start of the academic term.

They can be contacted at: International Office, University of

Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Tel: +44

(0)115 951 5247; Fax: +44 (0)115 951 5155;

Email: International-office@nottingham.ac.uk.

The UniversityThe University of Nottingham main campus is situated within 330 acres

of landscaped parkland, and is just a short bus ride away from

Nottingham city centre. The most recent research assessment exercise

(RAE) confirmed The University of Nottingham's position as a world

class research-led institution. Over 60% of the University's RAE scores

identified research as being of a level of international excellence.

With over 100,000 students at the city's universities and colleges,

Nottingham is a vibrant city with plenty to keep its youthful population

busy. Its compact city centre, only ten minutes away from the

Nottingham campuses by bus or bike, combines heritage and history

with contemporary culture.

Nottingham Life

If you would like to apply for this course, please

apply on-line at:

https://pgapps.nottingham.ac.uk/

The on-line application process is quick, and allows

you to track the progress of your application at any

time.