BS331-6-SP-CO:
Stem Cell Biology and Ageing

The details
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
29 November 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

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.

Module aims

No information available.

Module learning outcomes

In order to pass this module the student will need to be able to:

1. 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;
2. discuss examples of diseases, which can be caused by defects in stem cells;
3. discuss treatment strategies that utilise stem cells as well as other uses of stem cells;
4. explain the molecular biology behind ageing;
5. demonstrate knowledge of the range of techniques used in stem cell research;
6. 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)
On-line information retrieval services (e.g. Pubmed)
Read and analyse scientific literature
Scientific essay writing
6. Time management – self-directed study – prioritising

Module information

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.

Learning and teaching methods

Lectures - 18 h, Revision workshop - 2 h

Bibliography

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

Coursework Exam
0% 100%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
0% 100%
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)

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Lakjaya Buluwela
Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
Reader in Cancer Medicine
Prof Jacqueline McCormack
Institute Technology Sligo
Vice President
Resources
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.

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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