MMB8022 : Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor David Young
- Lecturer: Dr Catherine Arden, Dr Annette Meeson, Professor Lyle Armstrong, Dr Gavin Clowry, Professor David Jones, Dr Ana Ferreira-Duarte, Professor Che Connon, Dr Rachel Oldershaw, Professor Matthew Wright, Professor Andrew Filby, Dr Lei Huang, Professor Majlinda Lako
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The modules aims are to:
1. provide a thorough introduction to biological aspects of stem cells and their development
2. introduce the stem cell related concepts: totipotency, pluripotency multipotency during different developmental stages
3. explain different types of stem cells and their sources
4. explain techniques used for derivation and culture of stem cells
5. explain the current understanding of the immunobiology of stem cells and potential alloantigen responses
6. explain current therapeutic clinical applications of stem cells and related regulatory and ethical aspects
Outline Of Syllabus
A stem cell is a type of cell that has the ability to either divide for indefinite periods in culture to create more stem cells, or to give rise to specialized cells. Because of their ability to develop into different cell types, they could potentially provide an unlimited source of adult cells, such as bone, muscle, liver, or blood cells. Study of these important cell types now offers new insight into the fundamental processes of embryogenesis and homeostasis of adult tissues. Stem cell biology has gained tremendous interest in the recent years as part of a renewed interest in regenerative medicine – the replacement of defective cells and tissues with new cell types, offering the hope of new therapies for otherwise intractable disease. This module will draw upon very recent research in science and medicine to examine three broad areas in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine: (1) the basic principles of stem cell science; (2). the basic biology of stem cells and (3) the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine.
The following topics will be covered:
• Origin and development of stem cells
• General terminology of stem cell classification
• Differentiation potential of stem cells
• Embryonic versus adult stem cells
• Isolation and culture of stem cells
• Tissue engineering
• Stem cell transplantation
• Stem cell based therapies
• Tolerance mechanisms and rejection
• Regulatory aspects of stem cells
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Present in person (PIP) lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 1:00 | 14:00 | Present in person (PIP) lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 35:00 | 35:00 | Preparation and Submission of 1500 word Critical Essay |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 48:00 | 48:00 | Preparation of Research Proposal |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 91:00 | 91:00 | Preparation of Notes from Lectures and Reading and Self-directed learning |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
This will be a mainly didactic module. In lectures students will learn fundamental principles of stem cell biology and their use and potential use in medical practice with examples from cutting-edge research. They will also learn how to evaluate and interpret current research. They will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas within the classroom environment. In addition to the 27 hours of formal teaching, the students will use the remainder of the time associated with this 20 credit module in independent study, including reading literature and preparing assignments.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 40 | 1500 word essay |
| Research proposal | 1 | M | 60 | 2000 word limit project proposal |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay will provide the opportunity to assess the knowledge and understanding of the subject, as well as enabling the student to demonstrate their ability to critical assess the current literature and to consider the ethical and regulatory framework that may be needed.
The project proposal addresses both the skills needed to understand the importance of how a project needs to be developed and designed, but also the impact of the environment and the importance of the team members in presenting a project for consideration for funding, it also covers the ethical and regulatory framework of the topic.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MMB8022's Timetable