LF910-10 Regenerative Medicine
Introductory description
This module introduces the students to the scientific principles underpinning the application of biotechnology to the medical sector.
Module aims
The focus is on design and development of stem cell-based approaches, translation of fundamental developmental biology to therapeutic endpoints, use of functional biomaterials, and tissue engineering. The aim is to give the students a clear understanding of regenerative medicine and the role of biotechnology in this context.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Regenerative medicine is a branch of translational research aimed at restoring or establishing normal tissue function through artificially stimulating cell regeneration, or direct replacement with engineered cells and tissues. This module will cover the pivotal concepts underpinning the discipline. It will be taught through presentation and discussion of fundamental concepts and illustrative case studies, allowing the student to apply the knowledge gained across other areas of regenerative medicine.
Specific areas covered include:
-
Introduction of stem cell biology
a. Embryonic stem cell derivation and maintenance
b. Adult stem cells including mesenchymal stem cells
c. Reprogramming of induced pluripotent stem cells -
Reprogramming and differentiation of cells for therapeutic application
a. Design and implementation of directed differentiation
b. Transdifferentiation through transcription factor-based cell reprogramming -
Patient-specific disease modelling and therapy
a. Use of patient-specific stem cells for drug screening for regenerative outcomes
b. Correction of genetic mutations followed by tissue replacement -
Natural tissue regeneration in animals
a. Analysis of tissue regeneration in other vertebrates
b. Pre-clinical application of knowledge gained from study of animal tissue regeneration -
Tissue organisation and maintenance
a. Cell interactions with other cells and their environment
b. Properties and epithelia and other tissue components
c. Consequences of loss of tissue organisation -
Tissue Engineering
a. 3D bioprinting
b. Tissue assembly
c. Selection and application of biomaterials -
Bioethics and regulation
a. Regulation of Human Subject Research
b. Informed consent, use of human material and data
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages, issues and potential of the use of biomaterials, stem cells and engineered tissue in regenerative medicine.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles and attendant biotechnological techniques being exploited in the use of biomaterials, stem cells and engineered tissues in regenerative medicine.
- Discuss the issues and problems in the clinical application of stem cells and engineered tissues.
- Interact effectively with peers and academics on the validation/implementation of stem cells and engineered tissues via written and visual means.
- Discuss the application of patient-specific stem cells to regenerative medicine via drug development, and/or correction of genetic mutation based on a critical assessment of the known data.
Indicative reading list
Regenerative Biology and Medicine 2nd Edition. D.L. Stocum. Elsevier (2012) ISBN 9780123848604
Comprehensive Biotechnology 2nd edition Editor: Murray Moo-Young; Volume 5 Editor Zhanfeng Cui. Elsevier (2011) ISBN 978-0-44-453352-4
Biotechnology: Applying the Genetic Revolution. D.P. Clark and N.J. Pazdernik. Elsevier (2009)
ISBN 13: 978-0-12-175552-2
Biology and Biotechnology: Science, applications and issues. H. Kreuzer and A. Massey. ASM Press (2005) ISBN 1-55581-304-6
Specific articles in the scientific literature.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Identify the advantages and disadvantages, issues and potential of the use of biomaterials, stem cells and engineered tissue in regenerative medicine.
Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles and attendant biotechnological techniques being exploited in the use of biomaterials, stem cells and engineered tissues in regenerative medicine.
Discuss the issues and problems in the clinical application of stem cells and engineered tissues.
Interact effectively with peers and academics on the validation/implementation of stem cells and engineered tissues via oral, written and visual means.
Discuss the application of patient-specific stem cells to regenerative medicine via drug development, and/or correction of genetic mutation based on a critical assessment of the known data.
Transferable skills
Interact effectively with peers and academics on
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 15 sessions of 1 hour (15%) |
| Seminars | (0%) |
| Practical classes | (0%) |
| Other activity | 6 hours (6%) |
| Private study | 49 hours (49%) |
| Assessment | 30 hours (30%) |
| Total | 100 hours |
Private study description
Independent and group research
Other activity description
Workshops on:
- Ethics and Responsible Innovation
- Approach to assessment - alternative approaches to the same regenerative medicine problem
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group AF
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical analysis of alternative approaches to tackle the same regenerative medicine challenge | 100% | 30 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Individual written assignment where the students will critically analyse two different approaches to addressing the same regenerative medicine problem of their choice, and provide a reasoned justification for the approach they would choose to pursue through a hypothetical biotechnology startup. |
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Feedback on assessment
Written individual feedback to each student. Face-to-face feedback on request from the student.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of TLFS-J7N2 Postgraduate Medical Biotechnology and Business Management