Course overview
Recent advances in stem cell technology and advanced tissue culture have provided enormous potential for novel treatments of previously thought incurable diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and early dementia, type I diabetes and others where tissue degeneration is a root cause. This course will expose students to current research detailing the molecular properties of stemness and the mechanisms by which distinct cell lineages are derived from stem cells. Strategies from the recent literature used to produce specific cell lineages and tissues will be identified. The course will enable students to develop skills for critical analysis by in depth evaluation of research papers and exposure to the experimental strategies used in research programs of University of Adelaide and affiliate staff stem cell scientists.
Course learning outcomes
- Be aware of the increasing potential of stem cell science to contribute to medicine.
- Have an understanding of the molecular determinants that define stem cells.
- Have an understanding of how in vitro manipulation can be used to create distinct cell lineages.
- Have an understanding of the methodologies used for reverse engineering of mature cells to create induced pluripotent stem cells, and their use in the investigation of mechanisms of disease and development of personalised medicine.
- Develop an understanding of basic research methodologies used in current stem cell research.
- Be aware of ethical issues associated with stem cell research.
- Critically analyse and interpret data, arguments and conclusions presented in the scientific literature.
- Develop the ability to engage with senior scientists in discussions on research priorities and strategies in the field of stem cell science.
- Develop the ability to evaluate and write critical summaries of research papers and/or research proposals.
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