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Stem Cells in Development & Regeneration (CEDB30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Subject Coordinators
Prof Gary Hime
g.hime@unimelb.edu.au
Prof Andrew Pask
ajpask@unimelb.edu.au
Administrative Coordination
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to advanced research topics in modern stem cell biology with respect to current roles of stem cells in development of organisms, regenerative medicine and ethical considerations of biotechnological applications.
Different types of stem cells will be discussed with emphasis on embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells and roles in embryonic development and adult tissue regeneration. The role of stem cells in diseases such as cancer, anaemia etc., will be discussed by leading stem cell researchers in terms of dysregulation of tissue regeneration and current potential treatment strategies.
New therapies based on stem cells such as in vitro production of organs, stem cell transplantation and cloning will be presented along with the ethical dilemmas posted by these advances. The subject will also cover the latest advances in Induced Pluripotent Stem cell (iPS) technology and what this tells us about the nature of pluripotency.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe major concepts relating to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine
- Discuss the major areas of ethical contention in medical applications of stem cell biology
- Describe the experimental approaches and strategies used in stem cell research and medicine, and apply these to specific questions in biology and medicine
- Analyse and evaluate the potentials, limitations and weaknesses that are associated with scientific advances in stem cell biology
- Synthesise scientific literature to construct arguments and communicate findings to expert and non-expert audiences
Generic skills
Analysing complex scientific issues;
Making a constructive critique of a scientific proposal;
Performing written communication skills at a high standard;
Contributing to intellectual discussion;
Analysing how science interacts with society.
Last updated: 31 January 2024