BS331-6-AU-CO:
Stem Cell Biology and Ageing
2024/25
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
04 July 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
The module describes the fundamental principles of stem cell biology and molecular mechanisms and factors that define their `stemness` as well as the processes that govern their differentiation into specific cell types. This will be explored in the in the context of development, health, ageing, and disease. The module aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge, and understanding of the principles that drive research into stem cells and their utility in new treatment approaches, and to provide them with skills and hands-on experience in analysing and interpreting information pertinent to stem cell biology and function in health, disease and the ageing process.
No information available.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Explain the principles of stem cell biology and discuss the different regulatory levels of differentiation and other processes as exemplified by embryonic and different adult stem cells
- Discuss examples of diseases, which can be caused by defects in stem cells
- Discuss treatment strategies that utilise stem cells as well as other uses of stem cells
- Explain the molecular biology behind ageing;5. demonstrate knowledge of the range of techniques used in stem cell research
- Demonstrate competence in the analysis and interpretation of data and in the written communication of information
Employability and transferable skills:
- Advanced knowledge in stem cell biology and related areas
- Data Analysis and Interpretation (DAI)
- Online information retrieval services (e.g. Pubmed)
- Read and analyse scientific literature
- Scientific essay writing
- Time management – self-directed study – prioritising
Listen Again:
The School has a policy which ensures all lecturers opt-in to making lectures available via Listen Again. Therefore, in teaching rooms where the facility is available, lectures will be recorded via this service.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offence and all students suspected of plagiarism will be subject to an investigation. If found guilty, penalties range from a formal warning to permanent withdrawal from the university (see Academic offences procedures).
If you are uncertain about how to reference your work take a look at the Moodle course on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism or speak to your Module Supervisor or Tutor.
This module will be delivered via:
- Lectures - 18 h
- Revision workshop - 2 h
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Slack, J.M.W. (2017)
The Science of Stem Cells. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119235293.
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Burgess, R. (2016)
Stem cells: a short course. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4187335.
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Lanza, R.P. and Atala, A. (eds) (2014)
Essentials of stem cell biology. Third edition. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic Press. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=516096.
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McDonald, R.B. (2019)
Biology of Aging. 2nd New edition. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5992846.
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Banerjee, A. and Pathak, S. (eds) (no date)
Stem Cells and Aging. Academic Press. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6522145.
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Smyth Templeton, N. (ed.) (2015)
Gene and Cell Therapy. 4th New edition. Baton Rouge: Taylor & Francis Inc. Available at:
http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780429101847.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Closed Book, 180 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Ralf Zwacka, email: rzwacka@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Ralf Zwacka
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Prof Victor Alan Gault
Ulster University
Associate Dean Research and Innovation
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
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