Exploring Cancer Medicines
Learn chemotherapy history and write clear science communication.
Exploring Cancer Medicines is an online course from the University of Leeds that examines the development, use, and communication of cancer chemotherapy and related medicines. The course blends historical perspective, recent research updates, and practical science‑writing exercises to show how cancer medicines are discovered, evaluated, and reported to the public.
Aimed at school and college learners, aspiring science writers, and anyone curious about biomedical research, the syllabus moves from early developments through current advances to likely future directions in treatment. Learners practise analysing research resources and producing a concise, audience‑targeted blog post to demonstrate applied science communication skills.
At a Glance
Exploring Cancer Medicines is an introductory online course from the University of Leeds that explores the development, use, and communication of cancer chemotherapy and related medicines.
The course is taught by University of Leeds staff including Dr Richard Foster and combines historical and contemporary science with practical science-writing exercises.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Duration | 2+ weeks |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | Certificate of achievement (paid upgrade) |
| Access | Free access for the course duration with optional paid upgrade for extended access and certificate |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Free to access with optional paid upgrade for certificate and extended access |
What This Course Teaches
Completing this course builds measurable competencies in understanding how cancer chemotherapy developed, locating and evaluating research resources, and communicating scientific developments to defined audiences. Learners will be able to explain chemotherapy foundations, identify key research resources, compare science-writing approaches, investigate recent and future treatment directions, and produce a concise, audience-targeted blog post.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is organised as two weekly blocks that together contain ten discrete modules/activities, designed to be completed in sequence over the stated two-week timeframe. Its structure mixes short guided activities, instructor-led summaries, and practical writing tasks across the two-week course.
Curriculum overview
01Welcome▾
Introductions and community orientation; meet fellow learners and prepare for the course.
02What is cancer chemotherapy?▾
Introduces cancer chemotherapy and begins exploration of early developments in the field.
03The historical perspective▾
Presents research by Dr Richard Foster on the history of developments in cancer medicines.
04What’s in the news?▾
Investigate how developments in cancer medicines are reported in news sources in your region.
05Summary▾
Week 1 wrap-up and signposting to study options at the University of Leeds and to next week’s topics.
06About Week 2▾
Overview of recent developments over the last decade and an introduction to future directions in cancer medicines.
07What’s happening now?▾
An update from Dr Richard Foster on current research and recent advances in cancer medicines.
08Future directions▾
Explores possible future approaches and emerging directions for cancer treatment.
09Keeping up to date▾
Guidance on using blog posts and other media to stay current with research, plus a practical writing exercise.
- Practical: draft a short blog post applying your science-writing skills
10Summary▾
Final reflections, consolidation of learning, and pointers to further study opportunities.
- End-of-course self-test to check understanding
Audience & Requirements
This course is aimed primarily at school and college learners exploring biomedical subjects and students deciding whether to study medicine or related life sciences at university. It is also suitable for aspiring science writers and educators seeking a concise introduction to chemotherapy and science communication.
- School and college students evaluating university study options.
- Prospective undergraduates interested in medicine, pharmacy, or biomedical sciences.
- Aspiring science writers and communicators seeking practical writing practice.
- Teachers and advisers looking for a compact classroom taster resource.
- No special prerequisites.
- Basic ability to read and write in English and draft a short blog-style piece.
- An interest in biological science or healthcare is helpful but not required.
Final Verdict
Given its strong platform reputation, wide learner interest, and a free-to-audit model with an optional paid certificate, this course is a worthwhile, low-risk way to gain a structured introduction to cancer chemotherapy and science communication.
It is best suited to school and college students, prospective undergraduates, aspiring science writers, and educators seeking a compact, well-organised taster course. It is not intended as professional training in pharmacology or as a substitute for hands-on laboratory or clinical education.
