BMS382 – Stem Cell Biology (10 credits)
Module Co-ordinator: Dr. P. Rashbass
Aims
This unit will provide students with an in-depth account of stem cell biology and their application to regenerative medicine. Special reference will be made to the molecular and genetic control of cell fate specification and differentiation. Consideration will be given to existing and potential clinical use of stem cells and their derivatives, and of the ethical issues that these raise. As this is a rapidly developing field, strong emphasis will be placed on understanding the current controversies in the literature.
Content
Lectures will cover:
- molecular and genetic control of cell fate specification and differentiation
- stem cell niches
- adult, embryonic and cancer stem cells and induced pluripotent cells
- using stem cells for therapy
- ethical use of stem cell therapy
- recent research issues
Objectives
By the end of the unit, students will
- have a knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors important for stem cell renewal and differentiation
- understand the clinical significance of stem cell research and the possible problems that need to be overcome
- appreciate the current controversies in the field concerning adult, embryonic and cancer stem cells
- be able to discuss the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells and stem cell therapy.
Teaching Methods
Primarily provided by Lectures (including 'research talks') plus 'ethics' + module totorials. Individual study will be used to back up the lectures and tutorials by reading research articles.
Assessment
A formal essay examination paper (2 hours - 1 essay from a choice of 2) will held in the semester 2 examination period. These two questions will assess the understanding of the lectures, research talks, tutorials and associated reading. Student feedback will be provided by class questions asked by lecturers, the module tutorial plus reviewing the answers of previous examination questions.