Dr Laura Thomas

• Targeting αβ-hydrolase domain-containing 11 (ABHD11) in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (current)

  PhD

  Other supervisor: Dr Nick Jones

• Investigating Changes in Human Serum and Their Potential Association with Cancer Using Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning (current)

  PhD

  Other supervisor: Prof Cathy Thornton

• Investigating Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis in Familial Polyposis Syndrome (current)

  PhD

  Other supervisor: Dr Nick Jones

• Genomics for precision medicine-based approaches to intestinal cancer therapy (current)

  PhD

  Other supervisor: Dr James Cronin

• PM-280 Skills for Researchers

  The modern scientist graduate is expected to have gained extensive laboratory-based experience and this is certainly essential for any student intent on pursuing a research-based career. Skills for Researchers provides students with the opportunity to acquire the core skills to be able to conduct, analyse, interpret and present scientific experiments. A proportion of the module will be spent in the laboratory gaining hands-on experience. Skills acquired in this module will form the basis for future experimental work, including the final year project. Students will have the opportunity to provide feedback to peers and engage with a variety of online learning materials.

• PM-300 Medical Genetics

  The course is designed to provide an advanced study of the identification of human genes and the determination of the influence of human genes upon disease and health status. Gene identification provides targets for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the range of variation present in the population.

• PM-317 Genetics of Cancer

  This module extensively explores the molecular and genetic foundations underlying key aspects of cancer, including angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell signalling, DNA damage, molecular pathology, invasion and metastasis, inflammation, and the Warburg effect. Expert insights will be shared by a consultant gastroenterologist and a consultant pathologist during select lectures. This approach aims to offer students a well-rounded understanding that integrates academic knowledge, research insights, and practical clinical expertise. Additionally, the module seeks to broaden students' perspectives by dedicating a final lecture to an individual who shares firsthand experiences of living with cancer. This unique session provides students with valuable insights into the human aspect of the disease, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation of the patient's journey. An appreciation for the way in which an individual¿s own genome can influence diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is also included.

• PM-344 Capstone Project

  The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.

• PM-361 Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function

  The ever increasing availability of genome sequences and protein structure data demands that molecular biologists are proficient at performing extensive data analyses to guide and support traditional laboratory-based research. This Module will provide the theoretical basis and practical training on computational tools currently used to assemble and interrogate genome sequences, infer gene and protein functions, and to examine protein structure data.

• PM-378 Biomedical Laboratory Techniques

  The module will provide practical and in depth theory of applications and equipment available to MSci students in the biomedical research laboratories based at the Medical School. The module will provide guidelines and rationale for experimental design, and data and statistical analysis.

• PM-378C Technegau Labordy Biofeddygol

  Bydd y modiwl yn darparu damcaniaeth ymarferol a manwl o¿r cymwysiadau ac offer sydd ar gael i fyfyrwyr MSci yn y labordai ymchwil biofeddygol sydd wedi'u lleoli yn yr Ysgol Feddygaeth. Bydd y modiwl yn darparu canllawiau a rhesymeg ar gyfer cynlluniau arbrofol, a dadansoddiad data ac ystadegau.

• PMGM00 Bioinformatics for Genome Analysis

  The module will cover the fundamental principles of informatics and bioinformatics applied to clinical genomics, find and use major genomic and genetic data resources; use software packages, in silico tools, databases and literature searches to align sequence data to the reference genome, critically assess, annotate and interpret findings from genetic and genomic analyses. Theoretical sessions will be coupled with practical assignments of analysing and annotating predefined data sets.

• PMGM14 Cancer Genomics

  This module covers the molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer development, growth and metastasis, and the differences between different cancers. It will explore the different molecular and cellular actions of anti-cancer treatments, the genomic factors affecting response and resistance to treatment, and the research approaches to anti-cancer drug design and development. Broad situations which confer a high cancer risk to a person and/or to other members of the same family will be discussed in the context of how genomic information may be integrated into cancer screening programmes. This module will prepare the students to interrogate the cancer data sets from the 100,000 Genomes Project as well as to interrogate cancer genomic datasets in general.

• PMGM17 Post Graduate Taught Masters Dissertation

  The module is for students to build on their previous knowledge, skills and experience by undertaking a laboratory based or suitable non-laboratory based project on a specific subject related to genomics.

• PMGM23 Cancer Genomics

  This module covers the molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer development, growth and metastasis, and the differences between different cancers. It will explore the different molecular and cellular actions of anti-cancer treatments, the genomic factors affecting response and resistance to treatment, and the research approaches to anti-cancer drug design and development. Broad situations which confer a high cancer risk to a person and/or to other members of the same family will be discussed in the context of how genomic information may be integrated into cancer screening programmes. This module will also prepare the students to interrogate and interpret various cancer data sets.

• PMRM04 Dissertation (Research)

  This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in teaching components in part one of their relevant programme. Students will work independently in order to critically explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of study.

• Lecturer, Swansea University

  July 2020 - Present

Laura is a STEM ambassador and regularly presents her research at events organized by the Wales Gene Park.