The module describes the fundamental principles of stem cell biology and molecular mechanisms and factors that define their ‘stemness’ as well as the processes that govern their differentiation into specific cell types. This will be explored in the in the context of development, health, ageing, and disease. The module aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge, and understanding of the principles that drive research into stem cells and their utility in new treatment approaches, and to provide them with skills and hands-on experience in analysing and interpreting information pertinent to stem cell biology and function in health, disease and the ageing process.
Learning Outcomes
In order to pass this module the student will need to be able to:
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental and underlying mechanisms of stem cell biology, differentiation, self-renewal and proliferation.
2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the transduction and integration of extracellular signals that regulate stem cell differentiation, self-renewal, cell death, senescence and proliferation and other processes.
3. Demonstrate an in depth understanding of the differences between embryonic stem cells and various other adult stem cell types.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the different approaches to generate and utilise induced pluripotent stem cells.
5. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate therapeutic approaches to treat diseases with stem cells.
6. Demonstrate an excellent understanding of the molecular biology and mechanisms that are part of the ageing process.
7. Demonstrate competence in (a) the analysis and interpretation of data and (b) the collation, synthesis and communication of material in the form of essays and presentations.
- Module Supervisor: Ralf Zwacka