Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Stem Cells and Disease
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Biomedical Sciences
Module Code	03 40304
Module Lead	Dr Mary Clarke & Prof Jon Frampton (co-leads)
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-19 hours Tutorial-4 hours Practical Classes and workshops-12 hours Guided independent study-345 hours Total: 400 hours
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 the stem cell properties of self-renewal and commitment. We will also discuss (i) key categories of adult stem cells and their contribution to normal tissue maintenance or disease, and (ii) current progress in developing cell-based therapies, both to address specific conditions, including the application of tissue engineering. Small group teaching will reinforce these concepts and broaden the student's understanding through a focus on primary research articles, especially with the aim of illustrating relevant methodology and the interpretation of experimental results and data analysis. Emphasis will be placed on the most current thinking in the field. Practical sessions will give an insight into stem cell isolation, culture, and 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 research approaches in stem cell biology by interpreting experimental data Be able critically to 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
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: The module is assessed by a combination of a 3 hour written examination (50%) and course work (50%) - news and views article – written commentary It is a requirement that students achieve a mark of at least 35% in their summative exam. Overall Pass mark for the module is 40%. 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 Reassessment: Academic failure: similar assessment at next opportunity 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