Learning outcomes
Knowledge
- To understand the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms whose dysregulation leads to the development of cancer, with special emphasis on oncogenic and tumor suppression mechanisms.
- To understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the reciprocal interactions that occur between the tumor and the tumor microenvironment and how they affect tumor progression.
- To understand the main genetic and environmental risk factors that predispose to the development of cancer, as well as the main molecular mechanisms responsible for the effects of these factors.
- To learn about cancer research techniques, both classic and innovative strategies, and to understand their advantages and limitations.
- To understand the similarities and differences at the molecular level between the main types of solid and hematological tumors, as well as their impact on disease progression, diagnosis, and treatment
- To learn about the main types of antitumor treatments with special attention to the use of advanced techniques of radiotherapy, cell therapy, immunotherapy, nanoencapsulation and targeted therapies
- To learn about the main diagnostic methods in cancer, both general and specific to each type of tumor, with special attention to molecular diagnostic methods, which allow the identification of specific genetic alterations, as well as the use of early detection techniques through liquid biopsy.
- To understand the basics of clinical trial design in oncology, including statistical analysis, its different phases, and the main bureaucratic procedures required for its presentation, approval, and follow-up.
- To understand the main stages involved in the process that allows, starting from basic research and preclinical models, the intellectual protection, validation, and where appropriate, the use and commercialization of new biomarkers useful in the diagnosis or prognosis of cancer, new chemical, biological or physical agents, or new pharmaceutical preparations with antitumor activity or that alleviate the symptoms of cancer patients.
Skills
- Ability to understand and apply concepts, tools and methodologies in cancer research that allows them to develop an integrative vision of the advances in scientific research in this field.
- Ability to analyze and understand a scientific work from the initial hypothesis and objective to the conclusions obtained.
- Ability to express in a scientific paper or report in English, in a clear and unambiguous way, the results of scientific research in the field of molecular biology of cancer.
- Ability to communicate the conclusions obtained from scientific work to both specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way: to be able to communicate, understand and transmit knowledge, scientific results, and strategies in English.
- Ability to use and apply appropriately the latest techniques for analyzing the mechanisms underlying tumor development and progression, as well as for studying the mechanism of action of antitumor treatments in cultured cells, tissues, or whole organisms
- Ability to, based on acquired knowledge, develop principles that allow the selection or design of appropriate antitumor therapies for each type and phase of cancer in a personalized way (for each patient).
- Ability to handle some of the main databases related to molecular oncology, as well as to develop specific analyses using that data and interpret the results obtained.
- Ability to understand, and eventually manage, the legislative, social, health and ethical implications of basic, translational and clinical research in oncology.
- Ability to learn independently and perform critical analyses that allow them to evolve professionally in a self-directed manner.
Competences
- To understand the molecular, cellular, and pathophysiological bases of cancer that will allow them to continue studying in the field of molecular cancer biology in an autonomous or self-directed manner.
- To design experimental approaches that allow the analysis of the molecular, cellular or pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development and progression of cancer, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of new diagnostic methods or new therapeutic approaches.
- Interpreting results derived from the application of diagnostic methods or reports generated by oncology professionals for the diagnosis and classification of cancer.
- Evaluate the social and ethical responsibilities and environmental risks involved in your professional practice.
- Prepare basic documents in the appropriate format that serve as a basis for the presentation of patents, as well as clinical trials, in the area of oncology.
- Apply the principles of the scientific method, understanding its value and its limits, and incorporating the ethical principles that govern professional practice.
- Develop an adequate capacity for communication and dissemination of professional activity, both among specialists and to the less specialized society as a whole.
- To be able to, based on knowledge acquired in the field of molecular biology of cancer, evaluate and select appropriate scientific information to formulate judgments and interpretations from limited information.
- To understand and recognize the need for continuous training and study in the field of oncology for the performance of their professional activity.
- Develop the ability to work in a team, homogeneous or multidisciplinary, collaboratively and with shared responsibilities.