Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Stem cells, differentiation and disease
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Module Code	01 33970
Module Lead	Dr Mary Clarke & Prof Jon Frampton
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	It is a requirement that students achieve a mark of at least 35% in their summative exam
Exclusions
Description	This course builds on material introduced in the Year 2 ‘Stem cells and development’ module, to give a broad overview of the field of stem cell biology, how this applies to normal cell differentiation and disease processes, and is increasingly being used to develop cell-based therapies. Lectures will initially recap the basic concepts underpinning embryonic and adult stem cells, and recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of pluripotency and cell differentiation, before exploring the molecular mechanisms that underpin differentiation, iPS cell and ‘direct’ reprogramming. We will also discuss (i) key categories of adult stem cells and their contribution to normal tissue maintenance and/or disease, and (ii) current progress in developing cell based therapies for therapeutic use, both to address specific conditions and in the context of tissue engineering. Small group teaching will reinforce these concepts, but will primarily focus on experimental aspects in this field (i.e. the techniques used, and interpreting and presenting these data), by discussing scientific journal articles. Practicals will give an insight into cell culture, and the experimental manipulation of cells down specific differentiation pathways and their characterisation
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module, students should be able to: Demonstrate an detailed understanding of the current concepts underpinning stem cell biology Understand current theories on the molecular basis of stem cell maintenance and differentiation in normal and disease states Be able to apply an understanding of current experimental approaches in stem cell biology by interpreting new experimental data Be able to critically evaluate current progress in the development of stem cell based therapies. Have a detailed knowledge of experimental methods used to manipulate and characterise stem / differentiated cells Be able to demonstrate, a detailed understanding of the current research progress in an aspect of this field
Assessment	33970-01 : Overall module mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	The module is assessed by a combination of a 3 hour written examination (50%) and course work (50%) - news and views article 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
Reading List