CLIP30240 Stem Cells in Medicine

Academic Year 2020/2021

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 cancer stem cells are explored together with the current and potential use of stem cells in the treatment of disease. The influence of the epigenetic landscape and niche location on stem cell behaviour are discussed. Current laws and guidelines with regard to stem cell research and therapy in Ireland, the United Kingdom and other countries are outlined. Discussion and debate of societal and ethical issues are encouraged.

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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
Essay: Students will submit an essay on a topic they have chosen from a selection of essay titles. Indicative essay length: 2,000 words (lower limit: 1,500 words; upper limit: 2,500 words). Unspecified n/a Graded No

40

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

30

Multiple Choice Questionnaire: 30 questions with 5 choices each (A-E); No negative marking. 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
Professor Desmond Tobin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Wenxin Wang Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Qian Xu Lecturer / Co-Lecturer