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PHA-20026 - Module Specification
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

PHA-20026 - Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
Coordinator: Vinoj George Tel: +44 1782 674383
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This core module `Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine' draws upon current knowledge and trends in stem cell biology and modelling for regenerative medicine. This provides students with up-to-date information and skills for translational research, being supported by basic concepts and applications within the wider provision of the programme. The module offers interaction with academic researchers and an opportunity to interact with clinicians/industry to appreciate requirements of stakeholders and the socio-economic demands for this field of regenerative medicine. This bridge between theory and practice will allow for developing a student's entrepreneurial potential.

Aims
The aim of this module is to study the properties of human stem cells and its application in the field of regenerative medicine.
Through this module students will be able to underpin aspects of developmental biology that relate to stem cell generation, study the types of stem cells, their differentiated counterparts, their applications, and compare these to other current models of regenerative medicine, in improving human health and disease.
Students will have the opportunity to appreciate the development and evaluation of new and current methods of stem cell research and therapeutic intervention strategies through the diverse learning approaches and practical skill development.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of the source, types and properties of human stem cells: 1,3
Demonstrate knowledge of differentiation potential of human stem cells: 1
Compare the techniques and applications of stem cells and their differentiated counterparts: 1
Explain and critique the current use of stem cells as models of disease or therapy: 1,2
Compare the potential of non-human model systems for regenerative medicine: 1
Execute a representative laboratory task with stem cells: 3
Propose a theoretical application of stem cells for personalised medicine: 2

Study hours

Lectures = 40h
Tutorials = 15h
Practical = 10h
Poster Presentation = 10h
Drop-in sessions for learning support/discussions = 5h
Private study and assessment = 220h (Guided reading; video tutorials; formative presentations; formative tutor and peer feedback will be given on student work in order to help guide them through the completion of their summative portfolio, lab report and poster).

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 60%
Portfolio 3000 words
Portfolio on Impact of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine. 3000 words Portfolio will need to cover 3 topics with guidance provided for including required elements (approx 1000 words each): 1. Stem cells in Disease Modelling 2. Stem cells for Therapy 3. Non-Human Models for regenerative medicine

2: Poster Presentation weighted 15%
Poster presentation to scientific peers
Poster on 'Towards Personalised Medicine using stem cells'. Poster will integrate concepts in lectures, tutorials and practicals of a chosen stem cell but also translating that knowledge to a proposed theoretical application of stem cells for personalized medicine. This will be a team-based learning exercise with students working on this as peer groups to share and debate ideas. Each member of the team presenting the poster will receive the same marks that is an average of the individual performances. Individual performance will be assessed by panel through a random choice of questions to members of the team. Bank of core questions will be provided to students in advance. Team presentations will switch to individual presentations if there are not enough number of students to make up the teams, depending on size of class cohort.

3: Laboratory Assessment weighted 25%
Laboratory assessment
Assessment will be based on a laboratory session with human stem cells (25% weighting). Assessment consists of two parts: Part 1 - Competency assessment (10% weighting) - by producing eLOGs (virtual lab book) of own data or analysis for the different elements of the practical. eLOGs need to be completed before moving to the next practical task and these deadlines will be interspersed during the duration of the practicals. Part 2 - Lab report (15% weighting) of the different practical tasks with stem cells. Report will correspond to all the elements mentioned in eLOGs and should not have more than 1500 words in total (excluding figure legends and references).

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024