CLIP30240 Stem Cells in Medicine

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is intended for students of medicine and biomedical science who wish to learn about stem cells and their use in treating human disease. The module aims to incorporate a balanced understanding of the biological, legal, ethical and societal issues surrounding stem cells and an awareness of the major research areas. The basic biological characteristics and behaviour of human embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells are explored together with the current and potential use of stem cells in the treatment of disease. Applications of stem cell therapies in a range of diseases are discussed, including: diabetes, ophthalmology, cancer, neurodegeneration, hematological diseases, and rare genetic disorders. Other topics discussed in this module include developments in bioengineering to safely deliver stem cell therapies as well as controversies and challenges associated with the field. Students who take this module will have a greater understanding of the promise and potential of stem cell therapies in science and medicine.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the Stem Cells in Medicine module, the student should have:
1. Improved their knowledge of biomedicine by being able to:
1a. Elucidate the basic biologic characteristics and behaviour of stem cells
1b. Apply the basic concepts of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms to the control of stem cell replication and differentiation
1c. Distinguish between embryonic stem cells, different adult stem cell types and cancer stem cells in their basic behavioural
characteristics in vivo and in vitro
1d. Outline the principles of stem cell culture and laboratory analysis.
2. Improved skills applicable to clinical practice by being able to:
2a. Discuss the current applications of stem cells in therapy, diagnostics and research with specific reference to major human
diseases and research initiatives
2b. Clearly communicate legal and ethical issues in the area of stem cell research and therapeutic use.
3. Improved professional and personal skills by participating in course work and assessment which place a strong emphasis on:
3a. Group work
3b. Clear precise oral presentation
3c. Literature research and review
3d. Self directed learning as evidenced by choice of topic for assessment, with strong emphasis on learning from published
literature.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

23
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

103
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Peer and group work; lectures; reflective learning; student presentations. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Stem Cells in Medicine (PATH30150)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Short answer questions 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70
Journal: Students will review a groundbreaking stem cells paper in small groups and collaborate to give a presentation. Unspecified n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Eoin Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tom Flanagan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Helen Gallagher Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Christina Kiel Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Irene Lara-Sáez Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Timothy Lynch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Colette Morris Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Eoin O'Cearbhaill Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sami Termanini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Desmond Tobin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Wenxin Wang Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Qian Xu Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn