MRSC1210

An introduction to oncology in Australia

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in Australia. A diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatment can have both physical and psychosocial, and short and long term, effects on a patient. This course is designed to explore a range of issues for students who will work in cancer related health care. These issues include defining what is cancer, cancer diagnosis and staging methods, treatment options, population based statistics and quality of life outcomes, and holistic cancer care.

Objectives On completion of this course students will have developed an evidence based portfolio that demonstrates their development from a novice to beginning practitioner who is able to:

1. Recognise and describe the hallmarks of cancer
2. Describe the natural history and staging of malignant disease
3. Describe approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment
4. Describe research methods used in cancer research, including qualitative and quantitative methods
5. Collect and interpret population data that describes a range of cancer related outcomes, including the epidemiology (frequency and distribution) of cancer and population standardised survival rates
6. Analyse the dimensions and measurement of quality of life as it relates to oncology patients, and the role of supportive and complimentary care interventions in cancer care
7. Analyse the specialist roles of practitioners in cancer care, and the role of the multi-disciplinary health team in oncology
8. Present the findings of their study in written or oral form
Content 1. Describing cancer, causes of cancer, diagnostic methods, cancer staging, cancer treatment methods
2. Cancer research methods, cancer statistics, survival statistics
3. Psychological oncology, dimensions and measures of quality of life, mainstream supportive cancer care and complimentary health care
4. Role, function, and scope of members of the oncology team
5. Writing and discussion skills
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge HUBS1105, HUBS1401, PHYS1200, HLSC1000
Modes of Delivery Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Self Directed Learning
Student Projects
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Examination: Formal COMPULSORY COURSE COMPONENT:
An end of semester exam comprising a variety of question types The exam is a compulsory course component that must be passed to pass the course. Given that ongoing assessment and feedback is used in the course no opportunity for remediation in the exam will be available unless a submission is made via the adverse circumstances. Addresses objectives 1-8.
Student Projects Students will develop an evidence based portfolio that demonstrates the development of their knowledge and skills from a novice to beginning practitioner.

The portfolio will have at least 3 submissions. Information about each submission (including assessment information) can be found on the MRSC1210 BB site. The Blackboard site provides students with a large range of information that describes fully the requirements of each submission.

Submission 1.
Addresses Objectives 1-3, 8: Knowledge about Cancer, Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
Weighting: 20%
Overview: This group work assessment item requires your team to develop a submission that demonstrates understanding of the causes and development of cancer; cancer growth, spread and staging; cancer diagnostics; and cancer treatment options

Submission 2.
Addresses Objectives 4-6, 8: Cancer Research Methods and Outcomes
Weighting: 20%
Overview: This group work submission requires your team to demonstrate the ability to collect and interpret both qualitative and quantitative research statistics and data, including; population statistics and survival statistics; quality of life research outcomes; and supportive cancer care

Submission 3.
Addresses Objective 3: Professional roles and Responsibilities
Weighting: 10%
Overview: This submission requires you team to describe the diagnostic and treatment pathway and the members of the cancer care team involved in the care of the cancer patient from the home, through diagnosis, through treatment, and onto follow-up.

This group work activity will be subject to peer assessment, and individual marks may be changed based on a consensus of the quality of work submitted by individual group members
Contact Hours Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Student Projects: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Requisite by Enrolment 11018 - B Med Rad Sc (Radiation Therapy)
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for MRSC1210