DEV3032 Stem cells and the foundations of life
Faculty of Science
DEV3032 Stem cells and the foundations of life is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2020 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2020
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before DEV3032
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After DEV3032
No unit lists DEV3032 as a prerequisite in the 2020 handbook.
Overview
This unit begins with an introduction to embryonic stem cell biology and pluripotency. This will be followed by the characteristics and basic biology of newborn and adult stem cells. Subsequently inducible pluripotent stem cells will be introduced. The characteristics, anatomical location and clinical relevance of stem cells in specific tissues are then described, including haematopoiesis, kidney, gut, prostate, limb regeneration and immune, nervous and reproductive systems / mechanisms of fertility and infertility. You also conduct a research project in stem cells and developmental biology. Two moderated classroom discussions on commercialisation, recent technological advances, and/or regulatory and ethical issues of stem cell research and clinical treatments are also included.
Offerings in 2020
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Moderated discussion written report10%
- Laboratory research placement and poster presentation40%
- Mid-semester MCQ exam20%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)30%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the basic biology of embryonic and induced pluripotential stem cells;
- 2
Describe the basic biology of newborn, adult and tissue-specific stem cells and the status of research into their characterisation and their role in health and disease;
- 3
Explain current and potential future applications of stem cell therapies for the regeneration of diseased organs and how stem cells can be combined with factors and materials and nanotechnology to engineer replacement tissues;
- 4
Demonstrate practical laboratory skills and interpretation of scientific data in contemporary reproductive biology and/or stem cell research;
- 5
Outline the controversies surrounding the commercialisation and ethics of stem cell research and advances and requirements for clinical treatments;
- 6
Demonstrate critical and independent thinking in the synthesis of a research report and scientific presentation.
Workload and teaching
- Teaching approachActive learning
Two lectures per week. 15 hours research placement in a stem cell research laboratory (over 7 weeks): Two 3-hour moderated class discussions, one 3-hour wet practical class.
This unit provides an extensive introduction to the field of stem cell biology and current research in the field. A range of teaching approaches are employed to provide a broad experience of key aspects, including the current focus of the field, new and cutting edge research approaches, and ethics. Lectures are structured under 4 main themes, and presented by Monash academics currently working in stem cell research. The lecture and practical material are designed as complementary aspects of this unit.
Where it fits
DEV3032 is part of 1 area of study in the 2020 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Helen Abud
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Julia Young
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for DEV3032?
DEV3032 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is DEV3032 offered?
In 2020, DEV3032 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does DEV3032 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include DEV3032?
DEV3032 is part of Developmental biology.