University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 9am, Monday (odd weeks), Wednesday, Friday

Cancer is a complex disease, the second largest cause of death throughout the world (after cardiovascular diseases). Beginning with genetic mutations in a single cell, cancer progresses through several key growth phases - the avascular growth phase (nutrient delivered by diffusion of oxygen), tumour-induced angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), invasion and metastasis (spread to secondary parts of the body). Because of its complexity and multiscale nature (temporal and spatial), treatment of cancer is challenging. This module will introduce students to the mathematical modelling of the key phases of cancer growth and treatment via immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The mathematical techniques used in the modelling will be nonlinear partial differential equations, and students will be exposed to current research taking place within the Mathematical Biology research group in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass MT3504

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2.5 lectures (x 10 weeks), 1 tutorial (x 10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 35

Guided independent study hours: 120

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 50 minute class test = 10%, 2-hour written examination = 90%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 90%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 10%

Re-assessment: 2-hour written examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr N Sfakianakis
Module teaching staff: Dr Nikolaos Sfakianakis
Module coordinator email n.sfakianakis@st-andrews.ac.uk