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PHAR40040

Academic Year 2026/2027

Emerging therapies: Cloning, gene therapy and stem cells (PHAR40040)

Subject:
Pharmacology
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Breandán Kennedy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is core for stage 4 of the BSc degree in Pharmacology. This module investigates modern experimental strategies in the development of Gene-based (silencing, editing, replacement), Cell-Based (stem cell) and Drug-based therapeutic interventions. Specific examples of the application of these emerging approaches to treat inherited and age-related blindness will be critically discussed

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students: 1. will appreciate the fundamentals of vision and vision loss, 2. comprehend the principles supporting development of gene-,cell- and drug-based therapeutic intervetnions for blindness and 3 demonstrate ability to critica;distinguish progress in development of these approcahes to treat inherited retinal degeneration and age-related macular degeneration.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Competent

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Proficient

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Proficient

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Proficient

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Proficient

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 3

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 1

Reduce inequality within and among countries 3
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Autonomous Student Learning

90
Total

102

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The content is primarily of lectures that cover specific concepts and which direct the students to the primary literature for further study. Introductoy and review lectures are included at the start and mid-way.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

PHAR30050
PHAR30040


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
PATH30060 - Genetics,perinatal,paediatric


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Essay-based questions End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
100
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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