Translational Oncology (M.Sc.)
| Course Title | Translational Oncology(M.Sc.) |
| Qualification | MSc. |
| Duration | One Year (Full-Time) |
| Closing Date | 31st July annually |
| Next Intake | September annually |
Excellent mentoring structure, with a great balance between research and practice in a vital knowledge area
Cancer research is a significant strength at Trinity College Dublin and is a major focus at the associated teaching hospitals, including St. James's Hospital. Global cancer incidences are rising rapidly each year and research exploring the underlying causes, mechanisms of tumour progression and response to treatments are vitally important.
This one-year M.Sc. in Translational Oncology, aimed at scientists, clinicians and other healthcare professionals will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the causes and treatment of cancer. The programme explores the cellular, genetic and epigenetic basis of cancer, and also covers the scientific and clinical challenges pertinent to the management of site-specific cancers. All aspects of cancer treatment, from standard therapies to ‘individualized’ molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy will be explored. The focus of the course is research led teaching in the field of translational oncology. The course is unique, as it is taught on the St. James’s Hospital site at the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute by scientific experts and clinical specialists spanning multiple disciplines.
This highly innovative and award winning course will enable students to:
- Develop their research skills
- Broaden their expertise in oncology
- Develop advanced knowledge in specific areas of scientific, translational and clinical oncology.
The course is recognised by many academic and industry partners as a source of high quality postgraduate students. With an employment rate above 92% in its last 4 years, careers span further research (including PhDs) and employment in hospitals, university and medical centres. Additionally a significant number of students have secured positions in pharmaceutical and clinical trail companies both nationally and internationally.
The MSc in Translational Oncology offered by the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) was awarded 'Best New Course' 2014 at the Grad Ireland Postgraduate Course of the Year Awards in 2014, at the Mansion House in Dublin. Judges deemed the programme to have an “excellent mentoring structure, with a great balance between research and practice in a vital knowledge area, good career guidance and deep learning outcomes of local, national and international significance”.
The Masters course has also won the Best Masters Programme at the Education Awards 2023.
The first of its kind in Ireland, this masters focuses on the area of translational oncology, which describes the translation of scientific discoveries into therapies or “the bench to bedside approach”. The students have the unique opportunity to engage with lecturers from industry, clinical specialities and health economists, so they are aware of what is required to get scientific discoveries to the next level. An in-depth understanding of each module is provided by internationally recognised scientific and clinical experts in their respective fields. An example of this is the core module on site specific cancers. In this module, the pertinent clinical problems associated with the treatment of various cancers are set by leading molecular oncologists and surgeons; while the scientific discoveries and research focused on meeting these clinical challenges are discussed by leading academics in the field. This duality of teaching from the scientific and clinical perspective across all sectors has led to very positive feedback from the graduates, providing them with the scientific and clinical perspectives of the disease which is integral to the translational nature of the program. International reviewers of this course have commented on the timely delivery, exceptional structure and detailed content, and its appeal to science, pre-med and medical graduates.
The course is broken down into eight core modules covering the fundamentals of cancer biology and six optional modules (from which the students select four modules) that focus on emerging hot topics in research oncology. The choice of optional modules allows the student to tailor the course to their interests be that scientific or clinical. The evolving nature of the field means that the course is constantly being updated, and student feedback has highlighted the relevance of the lectures, with research findings often communicated within months of their discovery. This ensures that the course material is always fresh, relevant and state of the art. A central part of the course is the three month research placement, where the students undertake an oncology based project from a large selection of universities, hospital and industry sectors.
Speaking of her experience on the MSc in Translational Oncology in 2013 Hannah Moran, an EU student said, ‘I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in learning more about the biology of cancer and where cutting edge research is in the field, and I found it an excellent course for preparing me for future work in this area’.
Dr. Anand Singh, from India added ‘The M.Sc. in Translational oncology has helped me develop innovative and effective research skills, with a vision of revolutionising this field of medical scienceand amalgamate this knowledge with clinical medicine.’
The M.Sc. in Translational Oncology consists of eleven taught modules. Each student is also required to undertake a twelve week research project and submit a dissertation based on the outputs from this research project. The twelve week research project will begin in semester 2 once all the taught modules have been completed.
Modules
The modules have been designed to provide in-depth training in the translational oncology areas listed below.
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Module 5 Cancer Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Stem Cells |
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Semester 1 This module will provide a solid foundation in the area of chromatin structure and the principles of epigenetics. Lectures will detail the covalent modifications of DNA and histones, the techniques used to determine epigenetic modification, and the principles and experimental application of RNAi technology. The second part of this module will focus on microRNA and its potential therapeutic role in cancer. The last part of this module will focus on cancer stem cell biology. This section of the module will cover the origins of cancer stem cells, their role in cancer pathways and therapeutic interventions aimed at cancer stem cells. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Quotes from students “Information delivered by experts in their field of research, cutting edge research concepts was shared. Lecturers were interesting and motivated.” |
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Module 6 Clinical Trials and Health Economics |
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Semester 1 This module will cover the main topical areas in Health Economics including health systems, policy and Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Quotes from students “Heard from lecturers with firsthand experience in clinical trial design and got real sense of the level of detail involved” "Really enjoyed the economics lectures, very different to everything else on the course" |
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Module 7 Molecular oncology research skills |
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Semester 2 The aim of this module is to provide students with the necessary understanding and ability to perform research techniques routinely used in oncology research. The students will learn techniques, such as tissue culture, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, RNA extraction techniques for PCR. In addition, students will gain experience in writing standard operating procedures (SOPs). A two day practical workshop in statistics is included in this module and covers topics such as ANOVA correlations, regression and meta-analysis. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Quotes from students “I enjoyed working in groups. It was helpful to put into practice each of the techniques. Each of the practicals were delivered by professionals who regularly used that particular technique in their own labs.” |
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Module 8 Obesity, metabolism and physical activity |
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Semester 2 The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of obesity, diet and physical activity on the development and progression of cancer. Recent studies have predicted overweight and obesity to overtake smoking as the leading cause of cancer by 2020. This module will introduce the global epidemic of obesity and cover topics including the physiology of weight-loss and gain, adipose tissue biology and appetite regulation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and cancer will also be examined in detail, focusing on site-specific cancers. A series of lectures will also detail the impact of nutrition and obesity status on outcomes in surgical oncology patients. This module will also cover the novel area of physical activity and cancer with respect to prevention and postoperative recovery. Learning Outcomes On the successful completion of this module students should be able to:
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Module 9 Drug development process from discovery to commercialization |
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Semester 2 This module will cover in-depth, the principles of the drug discovery process and how it depends on molecular pharmacology and medical chemistry to identify new drug targets. The students will also learn the different experimental screening methods used to identify novel drug targets. This module will cover how different model systems, in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models are used to assess drug response and will describe in detail what is involved in the different stages of a clinical trial. Representatives from Pharma and smaller startup companies will describe drug development from their perspective and discussions will take place on how to get a drug to market. Finally, this module will discuss both the economics of drug discovery and patent and intellectual property issues associated with bringing a new drug to market. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
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Module 10 Therapeutic targeting of cellular instability in childhood and adult cancers |
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Semester 2 This module will cover in detail, the importance of how cellular damage drives different forms of cellular instability. The students will be taught about how different forms of damage affect telomere length dysfunction, activation of the bridge breakage fusion cycle and spindle assembly checkpoint functions. Furthermore, the importance of telomerase and mitochondrial instability as therapeutic targets will be discussed in detail. The role of the above instability areas will be explored in field of molecular oncology. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
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Module 11 Clinical pharmacology and therapeutic toxicity |
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Semester 2 This module will provide both scientists and clinicians with an in-depth knowledge of the major families of chemotherapeutic drugs currently in use to treat a range of solid and haematological malignancies. These lectures will describe the mode of action, clinical uses and drug resistance mechanisms of all the major classes of chemotherapies. This module also aims to provide an insight into the multiple toxicities associated with cancer therapy, both physiologically and psychologically and methods of managing cancer patient’s pain and rehabilitation. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
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Module 12 Research Module (30 ECTS) |
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Research placement and dissertation Semester 2
The research placement will take place between April – June and will be assessed by means of a dissertation based on the laboratory research project (25% of the overall marks of the M.Sc. degree). In the last week of their research placement, all students will be required to present the findings of their research project to the course committee, supervisors and their class. Students will be graded on critical thinking, research design, data presentation and overall knowledge in their project area. Overall, this module will amount to 34% of the total M.Sc. award. |
On successful completion of this course, each participant will have gained considerable knowledge and understanding into the causes and treatments of cancer; will have learned how to critically review relevant literature, present data and have the ability to undertake independent cancer research, in addition to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the genetic and epigenetic basis of cancer.
- Identify the scientific and clinical challenges pertinent to treatment and management of site- specific cancers.
- Describe all aspects of cancer treatment from standard therapies to ‘individualised’ molecular targeted therapies.
- Appraise the role of molecular diagnostics, pathology and imaging in cancer screening and treatment.
- Discuss the role of the tumour microenvironment and the immune system in the development of cancer and in cancer therapeutics.
- Critically appraise research protocols and manuscripts, statistically evaluate data and write research reports.
- Evaluate the mechanisms linking obesity, diet and lifestyle choices with certain cancers [upon completion of module.
- Discuss the principles of drug discovery from target identification, to validation and commercialisation.
- Identify the cellular and genomic instability events leading to cancer progression.
- Evaluate the surgical management of cancer and the impact of health economics on cancer care.
- Assess the pharmacology of cancer therapeutics and the toxicities associated with anti-cancer drugs.
- Prepare scientific essays and reports clearly and accurately.
- Assess research hypothesis, design experimental studies and conduct quality scientific research in an ethical manner and communicate research findings in an appropriate scholarly manner to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Interpret experimental findings and evaluate in relation to study hypothesis and existing research.
- Critically analyse research findings in terms of experimental design and outcomes.
- Employ professional development and transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and time management skills which will be acquired throughout this course.
An induction day will be held for students in September, where the course structure, timetables, assessments and content will be explained in detail to the students.
Semester 1
Formal lectures will take place Monday to Thursday (normally 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm). However it may be necessary to schedule lectures outside these times to accommodate visiting lecturers. Students will be notified of all changes to the timetable. Students are also expected to attend tutorial sessions outside these normal lecturing hours.
Semester 2
Formal lectures will take place Monday to Friday (10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm). However it may be necessary to schedule lectures outside these times to accommodate visiting lecturers. Students will be notified of all changes to the timetable. Students are also expected to attend tutorial sessions outside the normal lecturing hours.
Research skills modules will be run over 3 weeks prior to the research project.
Research projects and dissertations will begin in April and continue for 12 weeks. Students are required to be in their designated laboratories at all times (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday).
Detailed timetables will be available to all students via the M.Sc. in Translational Oncology Blackboard page.
This M.Sc. in Translational Oncology is open to both scientific and clinical graduates. Scientific, dental or equivalent candidates must have a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree in any biologically-related discipline. Medical graduates must have a MB, BCh, BAO or equivalent from a recognised medical school. All applicants should provide two academic or clinical references confirming their eligibility and suitability for the course, before their application can be considered. Applications for admission to the course will be made through the online system. Late applications will be considered provided places are available.
Non-EU applicants should be aware that processing visa applications can in some cases be a lengthy procedure - apply early where practicable.
For further information contact:
Dr. Joanne Lysaght
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences
St. James' Hospital
James's St.
Dublin 8
Ireland
t: +353 1 896 4259
e : msconcol@tcd.ie
Applicants are invited to Apply ONLINE through Trinity College Dublin’s ONLINE application system.
Additional information is available through Trinity College Dublin’s graduate studies website: https://www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies/
Up-to-date information about course fees can be found at the Academic Registry.
The primary focus of the M.Sc. in Translational Oncology is research led teaching to develop graduates with strong employability across various sectors. The structure of the course reflects this objective, with tailored and specific modules spanning all aspects of translational oncology from specific core modules including ‘molecular pathology and diagnostic imaging’ and ‘chemotherapy, radiotherapy and molecular targeted therapy’ to tailored optional modules on ‘cancer drug development: discovery to commercialisation’.
The course director and co-ordinators have placed a very strong focus on developing career opportunities for the graduates. A series of tutorials spanning professional development including C.V. preparation, interview skills, personality profiling and communication to a lay audience are provided, in addition to career evenings where the graduates may interact with employers across a variety of sectors. These tutorials are provided by both academics and human resources specialists and recruiters from the private sector.
Through the structured mentoring structure of the program each student is assisted with career development, by regular meetings with their mentor to discuss the opportunities available for employment.
Our graduates from 2012-2017, 79% found employment in the field of translational oncology. 23% of the graduates started PhDs that were initiated through contacts formed within the MSc.
The incidence of cancer in Ireland is increasing rapidly and it is of the utmost importance that our graduates are trained to the highest level. Our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to participate in novel drug discovery, either in academia or industry. The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), established by the Irish Government, aims to improve cancer prevention, detection and treatment, with the ultimate goal of increasing survival rates and quality of life of Irish Cancer patients. This mission aligns closely with the overall objectives of this M.Sc. in Translational Oncology.
“Being a clinician linking the clinic to basic sciences has become important in order to better understand and treat cancers. Through the M.Sc. in Translational Oncology I have learnt about the underlying mechanisms of cancers. The course has helped me nurture my thought process, research skills and amalgamate this knowledge with clinical medicine. Contemporary medicine is the era of “Evidence based Personalised Medicine”. Every patient is different and may require tailor-made treatment. The M.Sc. in Translational oncology has helped me develop innovative and effective research skills, with a vision of revolutionising this field of medical science for developing novel, less toxic, more effective and less expensive drugs and treatment modalities.”
Dr. Anand Simar Singh, Clinical oncologist, current Non-EU student.
“I chose to apply for the M.Sc. in Translational Oncology as I had developed a keen interest in tumour biology during my undergraduate degree and was very interested in pursuing a career in this area. The course was extremely interesting and allowed me to discover which areas were of particular interest to me. It’s my ambition to progress on as a Ph.D student and the course offers excellent support and advice in doing this, as well as for other career options. There was a wide range of research projects available to us so all students had the chance to carry out research in their area of particular interest. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in learning more about the biology of cancer and where cutting edge research is in the field, and I found it an excellent course for preparing me for future work in this area.”
Hannah Moran, Ph.D student, graduated M.Sc. in Translational Oncology, 2013.
“Very few people can claim to have been unaffected by cancer at some point during their lives. This MSc in Translational Oncology was the prefect course to suit my interests. The course exposed me to world class researchers and clinicians on a daily basis who were highly interactive and provided me with valuable networking opportunities. There is a fantastic support network in place. Each student is assigned one of the course co-ordinators as a mentor and these mentors are available at all times to advise and support students in both an academic and personal capacity. Small class sizes also means that every student gets the attention they need and results in a close-knit community which supports and encourages one another. I believe that the course will equip me with the necessary skills and cutting-edge expertise I need to achieve a career as a research scientist I would highly recommend this course to anybody who is interested in a career as a cancer research scientist.”
Brian Parkinson, Clinical trials Assistant, ICON Clinical graduated M.Sc. in Translational Oncology, 2013.
“This Masters in Translational Oncology offers me the prospects to expand my knowledge and understanding of the clinical and scientific aspects of oncology. Lectures were delivered by expert researchers from a number of universities who are actively investigating novel anti-cancer agents. Frontline cancer diagnosis and treatment were conveyed by practicing oncologists including surgeons and radiobiologists. Practical and research skills are developed through an intense three month laboratory placement in an area of specific interest to me. I feel gratified to have been awarded a place on this course and I look forward to being involved in cutting edge translational oncology research in the future.”
Aoife Kilgallon, current M.Sc. in Translational Oncology student.
“I chose to do the part time masters in Translational Oncology. I qualified as a pharmacist in 2007 and practised as a community pharmacist for four years before deciding to return to college. This was the perfect choice for me, the part time option allowed me to continue working throughout the two years. The course content is extremely interesting and continuously being updated to keep abreast of the most recent developments in oncology research worldwide. The layout of the course is designed to give the student a full understanding of both the scientific and clinical aspects of oncology while developing the student’s skills in writing, presenting and research. The lecturers we had ranged from research scientists to doctors and occupational therapists, this helps the student not only understand the challenges that face scientists in oncology research but also that face the patients and the people who care for them. Personally I found the course coordinators to be extremely supportive, returning to education after so many years was difficult at the start but with their support and guidance I quickly settled in.”
Mary Mockler, Pharmacist/part-time M.Sc. in Translational Oncology student.
For further information on the course please e: msconcol@tcd.ie
Course Director
Prof. Joanne Lysaght
Department of Surgery
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences
St. James's Hospital / TCD
Dublin 8
p: +353 1 896 4259
f: +353 1 454 6534
e: jlysaght@tcd.ie
Course Co-ordinators
Prof. Jacintha O’Sullivan
Department of Surgery
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences
St. James's Hospital / TCD
Dublin 8
p: +353 1 896 2149
f: +353 1 454 6534
e: osullij4@tcd.ie
Dr Stephen Maher
Department of Surgery
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences
St. James's Hospital / TCD
Dublin 8
p: +353 1 896 2104
e: maherst@tcd.ie
Dr Graham Pidgeon
Department of Surgery
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences
St. James's Hospital / TCD
Dublin 8
p: +353 1 896 4097
e: pidgeong@tcd.ie
Course Administrator
Ms Patricia Vila
Department of Surgery
Trinity Centre for Health Sciences
St James's Hospital
St James's Street
Dublin 8
e: vilap@tcd.ie
t: +353 1 896 4924