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 2023 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2023 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 2023 handbook.
Overview
This unit is structured into four overarching themes. It begins with an introduction to pluripotency, reprogramming and the microenvironment, followed by a focus on stem cell biology in reproductive development and fertility. The characteristics, anatomical location and clinical relevance of stem cells and regeneration in specific tissues are then described. The final theme focuses on stem cells and disease modelling. You also experience a real-world practical sequence, focused on the design and analysis of stem cell experiments.
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Practical classes40%
- Written report10%
- Mid-semester test20%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Threshold hurdle30%
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 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
Discuss 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 research reports and scientific presentation.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Laboratories24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Six hours of directed learning, including lectures, laboratories, and online activities and
- Six hours of self-directed learning per week
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 2023 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Julia Young
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Julia Young
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for DEV3032?
DEV3032 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is DEV3032 offered?
In 2023, DEV3032 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does DEV3032 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include DEV3032?
DEV3032 is part of Anatomy and developmental biology.