On completion of the course students should be able to:

1	Be aware of the increasing potential of stem cell science to contribute to medicine.
2	Have an understanding of the molecular determinants that define stem cells.
3	Have an understanding of how in vitro manipulation can be used to create distinct cell lineages.
4	Have an understanding of the methodologies used for reverse engineering of mature cells to create induced pluripotent stem cells, and their use in the investigation of mechanisms of disease and development of personalised medicine.
5	Develop an understanding of basic research methodologies used in current stem cell research.
6	Be aware of ethical issues associated with stem cell research.
7	Critically analyse and interpret data, arguments and conclusions presented in the scientific literature.
8	Develop the ability to engage with senior scientists in discussions on research priorities and strategies in the field of stem cell science.
9	Develop the ability to evaluate and write critical summaries of research papers and/or research proposals.

No specific text book. Protocols for practicals will be provided.

Suggested reading lists and websites will be provided as a basis for workshop discussions and written reports.

6 x 3 hour research workshops
10 x 6 hour practicals

A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g.lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

Workshops:

One research workshop of 3 hours every second week.

Student preparation: reading of reviews and research papers and addressing the accompanying questions relating to the papers.

An overview of a specific topic relating to the general research theme will be outlined by the workshop convenor.  The questions will be provided by the convenor and will address areas such as future developments and promise in the field, shortfalls in the current technology and applications to biomedical science.  Written summaries and answering of specific questions should be no more than 1,500 words.

4 hours every week for independent student research on the general research theme.

School academic staff and University of Adelaide stem cell researchers, from the Robinson Institute and the University of Adelaide Centre for Stem Cell Research, will deliver the research workshops.

Themes for research workshops:

Note: These do not represent stand alone sessions, but rather these themes will be covered
throughout the series of research workshops that make up the course.

 1. Molecular definition of embryonic stem cells. Genetic and epigenetic properties, how these are determined, molecular basis of pluripotence, strategies and methods to prove pluripotence.

 2. Generation of induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells. Methods by which mature cells can be de-differentiated into iPS cells, molecular characteristics of iPS cells, how iPS cells and ES cells can be compared, utility of iPS cells.

 3. Differentiation of ES and iPS cells into distinct cell lineages.  Molecular strategies to manipulate stem cells to derive specific cell types, how to verify identity of specific cell types, utility of differentiated cell types for research and possible clinical applications.

4. Stem cell therapies for neurological or central nervous system diseases, and use of mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine to treat damaged connective tissue or bone.  How close are
we to the clinic? What must be achieved before clinical applications are approved?

 5. Ethics of stem cell research. What are the controversies?  Who argues for and against human stem cell research? How are technical advances changing the ethical debate?

 6. Growing tissues or organs in vitro.  How is this done? What are the successes? What are the aspirations of this research?

 7. Cancer stem cells. What is the evidence? Which cancers are established to harbour cancer stem cells? What can be done to target cancer stem cells? Should cancer be considered a “stem cell disease”?

 8. Stem cell use for agricultural purposes. Cloning to produce superior livestock, eg cattle, pigs and sheep.

9. Stem cell research programs at the University of Adelaide. Aims, project designs, methodologies, successes and failures, future directions.

Practicals:

Ten practical sessions of 6 hours.

Students will be given practical topics and relevant material one week prior to each session.

Ten practical sessions are included to help students develop skills in culturing and understanding the characteristics of different types of stem cells. Sessions will include the basics of preparing feeder cells, production of essential growth factors for stem cell culture e.g. LIF (Leukaemia Inhibitory factor), culturing, splitting, freezing, storage, re-initiating stem cell cultures, methods of differentiating stem cells to distinct cell lineages, gene targeting of embryonic stem cells with selection and analysis of targeted clones, derivation of iPS (induced pluripotent stem cells) cells and resources permitting, derivation of embryonic stem cells de novo. Selected topics in advanced tissue culture will also include production and purification of monoclonal antibodies and in vitro culture of explanted organs.

A laboratory journal detailing aims, results, analysis of data and conclusions of practical exercises conducted will be continually assessed on a weekly basis throughout the duration of the course.

One practical report to be written up at the end of the practical sessions.

Assessment Task	Task Type	Hurdle	Weighting
Workshops: Written summaries of research topics (1,500 words)	Summative & Formative Marked and discussed at workshops.  Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and present them to the class Feedback given after each assignment	No	8% for each summary/assignment  (= 48% total)
Practical:   Practical Report Lab journal	Summative & Formative Reports are marked on content of report, understanding of subject matter and basic skills exhibited during the practical sessions. Lab journal Continual assessment	25% 27%	No

Description of Assessment:

Workshop participation, written summaries:

Students will be assessed on written summaries/answers to specific questions for each topic

(8% x 6 = 48%).

 

Practical Report:

One written practical report resulting from a selected aspect/theme from the 10 practical sessions (25%).

Lab journal (27%). The time spent in writing and maintenance of the lab journal is included as part of the practical time of 6 hours per session.

This course will be evaluated by the following means:

• Course SELT

Peer evaluations of Learning and Teaching will be used to assess the contribution of teaching staff. The course will be reviewed by members of the Biotechnology industry via a Program Advisory Committee