Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	Stem Cells and Development
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Module Code	02 27789
Module Lead	Dr Laura O’Neill
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-15 hours Tutorial-7 hours Practical Classes and workshops-7 hours Guided independent study-71 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	This course builds on the year 1 embryology lecture series to give an overview of the broad concepts involved in developmental processes, and some of the experimental approaches used to understand this area of biology. The module will use a number of integrated learning environments: (i) Lectures will introduce the fundamental concepts of developmental biology, using a range of animal models to emphasise the unifying aspects of animal development, and how some models are more appropriate to understand distinct developmental processes. Lectures will focus on cellular and molecular events, and will build on previous discussion of gene expression and signalling in Year 1 modules. A specific number of lectures focus on adult stem cells, and act as an introduction to these areas in Year 3. (ii) SGTs will reinforce lecture topics but from a data analysis viewpoint, where we will focus on data interpretation. We will also introduce critical thinking on research articles via a journal club format, and around bioethics via a group discussion. iii) Laboratory practicals will focus on key technologies used in the field and will also act as a forum for discussing experimental design and data interpretation. ICA will focus on a student–selected aspect of developmental biology, and will form the basis of a group-work around experimental design. All students will be expected to contribute to the writing, direction and planning of the experimental design.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Describe the fundamental principles of development and select examples to illustrate specific concepts. Explain the origin of stem cells and how they are maintained in vitro and in vivo. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of stem cells in cell differentiation processes, and outline how experimental manipulation of these cells may lead to cell based therapies. Summarise how differentiated cells can be reprogrammed outlining the methodology employed and evaluate its effectiveness. Demonstrate an ability to produce a report outlining an experiment on a given topic related to stem cells and/or development, providing justification of the experimental technique chosen and evidence of understanding biological controls.
Assessment	27789-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	The module is assessed by a combination of a written examination and course work. Examination 75% (Semester 2); In-course assessment 25% (Semester 1) (1) Final exam (1hr) to include: 4 short answer questions; 1 x essay. (2) In-course assessment consists of a group report with an individual component built in. Each group will develop an Experimental strategy on a given specific research question within the field of stem cells and development. The group will complete a report template for the in course assessment which will cover; a) Title b) Background c) hypothesis d) experimental method e) controls employed. As a group the students will produce sections a to c. Each student will produce individual sections for d and e. A peer assessment component will be integrated to calculate the final mark to reflect group participation. Reassessment: Academic failure: If a student fails the module then they will be required to repeat the failed components only. Failure to submit: Submission of coursework is compulsory for the programme. Students are advised that failure to submit without justifiable reason could result in failure of the module. Students will be required to submit outstanding work to meet the module outcomes.
Other	None
Reading List