Contemporary Cell and Gene Therapies (BMSC90016)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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Mammalian cells are the building blocks of our bodies, the foundries and factories of our medicines. With recent advances in gene engineering, cultured cells are no longer simply tools to study disease, but are a living therapeutic product. Pluripotent stem cells form a front-line to advances in cell manufacturing, as these can be engineered from cells cultured from any individual and in combination with gene therapy are forming the next generation of precision treatments for a range of diseases. In this subject, students will explore the recent and exciting history of cell and gene therapies, and develop a deep understanding of the foundational principles of growing, engineering, and scaling cells for successful manufacturing. Working with leading industry partners, students will work on real-life challenges facing the sector today, and will develop the essential attributes to design and manufacture the next generation of cell-based products.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Evaluate the social, technical and historical contexts of cells as manufactured products.
  • Identify and evaluate regulatory and patient-centred issues associated with cell and gene targeting in a therapeutic context.
  • Critically appraise the relevant technologies used for cell editing and manufacturing, including the ability to interpret data obtained from these analyses and techniques.
  • Apply multidisciplinary approaches to navigate and appraise the contemporary landscape of industries using manufactured cell products.

Generic skills

  • The ability to work collaboratively and constructively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team environment
  • Time management, self-regulation, project management and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to collect, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate authentic scientific data
  • The ability to communicate with varied audiences and stakeholders using appropriate written, oral and visual communication skills

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites


Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

Students should have completed an undergraduate degree in a biomedical science, bioengineering, or bioscience discipline.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Up to 4 written reports (between 300-500 words each)

  • 1500 words (total)
From Week 1 to Week 830%

Multimedia presentation

  • 500 words (equivalent)
From Week 4 to Week 615%

Group project of 4-6 students

  • 1500 words (each)
During the examination period40%

Continuous self-reflective assessment

  • 25 minutes (total)
Throughout the semester15%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025