Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- UQ Medical School
This course is designed to present you opportunities to explore an overview of current translational research in the field of skin cancer and expand your breadth of professional practice knowledge. You will be encouraged to consider the biomedical basis for current research programs, the methodology to validate these and clinical applications in skin cancer medicine.
This course bridges the gap between the genetics and genomics of melanoma and skin cancer and how this can be integrated into the clinic. Key content areas include genetics and genomics of naevi and melanoma, germline susceptibility and its interaction with the environment, modes of inheritance (familial melanoma), genetic counselling, skin cancer tumorigenesis, tumour heterogeneity, current advanced clinical imaging and importance of serial imaging. Core research and real-world clinical principles are defined and elaborated.
IMED7016 is designed to provide a sound knowledge base with respect to the genetics and genomics of naevi, melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancer; the pathways to skin cancer development and the genes and common genomic alterations that lead to progression; genetic susceptibility and risk for melanoma development as well as modes of inheritance (familial or multifactorial). The translation of genetics and genomics will be highlighted by using advanced diagnostic imaging tools (e.g. 3D total body photography) as well as the integration of genetic counselling of “high-risk” melanoma patients.
Required readings throughout the course are derived from current literature available through the University of Queensland Library.
The course includes research currently taking place within Frazer Institute Dermatology Research Centre (DRC) and the Australian Skin and Skin Cancer (ASSC) Research Centre. A significant emphasis will be placed on how research translates into clinical practice and will encourage you to identify gaps in your current practice, gaps in global skin cancer knowledge and further research opportunities.
Course requirements
Assumed background
All doctors, nurses or clinician-scientists enrolled in the UQ Skin Cancer Program need a sound scientific foundation to their clinical knowledge and skills which should be derived from current evidence based medicine. Candidates with a basic medical, nursing or science degree and a minimum of 2 years post-graduate clinical work-experience will be eligible to apply to enrol for the IMED7016 course. Ideally applicants should have clinical experience in skin cancer medicine. Current clinical work performed while doing the MMed (Skin Cancer) course must include a substantial amount of work in the field of skin cancer to help relate the content of this course to current clinical experience.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
IMED7001, IMED7002 and IMED7010
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
IMED7010
Course contact
Course coordinator
School enquiries
Medical School Student and Academic Administration
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Helmut Schaider
Guest lecturer
Dr Helena Collgros
Aims and outcomes
To develop an understanding and knowledge of skin cancer genetics, genomics and genetic susceptibility, and how this knowledge can be applied to risk stratification in a clinical setting. To develop an understanding of current clinical imaging and how these tools can be applied effectively in the practice of cutaneous oncology.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Have advanced communication skills in the use of the terminology, and the transmission of information, within cutaneous oncology
LO2.
Understand the genomics of naevi and the molecular pathways to melanoma progression, and apply this knowledge to melanoma diagnosis and treatment
LO3.
Understand how susceptibility genes relate to naevi and melanoma development, and apply this knowledge to melanoma diagnosis and treatment
LO4.
Understand how genetic susceptibility interacts with the environment to increase melanoma risk, and apply this knowledge to assessing and reducing the risk of melanoma in individuals
LO5.
Apply advanced knowledge of modes of inheritance to evaluating risk in high risk individuals
LO6.
Have an advanced understanding of genetic risk in order to stratify risk in familial melanoma and high risk individuals
LO7.
Understand and critically evaluate advanced knowledge in the areas of skin cancer genetics and genomic modifications to understand progression in field cancerisation, and transmit this knowledge to individuals at risk
LO8.
Understand the role of genomic biomarkers in disease prediction, prognosis and the monitoring of disease
LO9.
Critically analyse information about tumour heterogeneity in order to solve complex problems of melanoma diagnosis and treatment
LO10.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of naevus surveillance with 2D and 3D imaging techniques in order to diagnose skin cancer and optimise treatment
LO11.
Critically evaluate information from 3D imaging in order to manage skin lesions in complex patients
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
Mid-Semester Exam
|
40% |
12/04/2025
During Week 7 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
60% |
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Mid-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
12/04/2025
During Week 7
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer
The Mid-Semester examination consists of an open book exam presented on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). You have 150 minutes to complete the exam
Hurdle requirements
You must achieve a score of at least 50% to pass.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
If you are unable to sit or complete a scheduled examination, you must apply for a deferred examination no later than 5 calendar days after the date the original examination was held.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
Format: Short answer
The End of Semester examination consists of an open book exam presented on Learn.UQ (Blackboard). You have 180 minutes to complete the exam.
Hurdle requirements
You must achieve a score of at least 50% to pass.Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ (Blackboard).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Timing of end of semester deferred exams
End of semester deferred exams will be held in the Semester 1 deferred and supplementary exam period. If you are unable to sit or complete a scheduled examination, you must apply for a deferred examination no later than 5 calendar days after the date the original examination was held.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 39 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 40 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Regardless of your overall score, you will be unable to achieve a grade higher than 3 if you do not pass both exams (pass mark for each is 50%). |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To achieve a grade of 4 or higher you must pass both exams (pass mark for each is 50%). |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Pass marks are set for assessment items, however on occasion a recognised standard setting method may be used to determine the pass mark.
If one assessment item is below 50% but the overall grade is >50%, then this would constitute a Marginal Fail.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note that all submission dates for assessments are in Brisbane time - Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support you in completing some assessments. You may appropriately use AI in completing their assessment tasks for this course unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. You must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Refer to the following guide regarding referencing of AI:Overview - ChatGPT and other generative AI tools - Library Guides at University of Queensland Library (uq.edu.au).
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Wk1: Genetics and Genomics Refresher Genetics and genomic terminology and technology overview. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Wk2: Genomics of Naevi and the pathway to melanoma This week we will explore the common genomic changes that occur in different types of naevi (acquired and congenital) and how these changes relate to melanoma. |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Wk3: Genetic Susceptibility for Naevi and melanoma1 How are familial melanoma genes discovered? Genetic Susceptibility; genes associated with melanoma and naevi. |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Wk4: Genetic Susceptibility for Naevi and melanoma2 Susceptibility: Genes and Environment interaction; Sun exposure, total body naevus counts, MC1R genotype, and association with melanoma. |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Problem-based learning |
Wk5: Pedigrees and Modes of Inheritance Prepare and interpret pedigree diagrams, particularly in relation to genetic disorders and traits. |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Wk6: Skin cancer tumorigenesis Genetics and genomics of non-melanoma skin cancer (BCCs and SCCs), progression from early lesions, and the key concept of field cancerisation |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Wk7: Melanoma Genomic Biomarkers This week we will discuss predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic biomarkers and how they are applied in practice and current research for future clinical implementation. |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Wk8: Tumour Heterogeneity Key concepts of Tumour Heterogeneity, it's relevance to melanoma, and treatment resistance. |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Wk9: Advanced Imaging 1 Key concepts of naevus surveillance using 2D and 3D imaging |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Wk10: Advanced Imaging 2 3D imaging workflow for naevus surveillance |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Wk11: Advanced imaging 3 Lesion management of complex patients |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Wk12: Advanced Imaging 4 Confocal imaging for melanocytic lesions |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Revision Revision of for End-of-Year Exam |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.