MSc Regenerative Medicine course will examine stem cell biology application within disease and drug discovery. It will also outline the regulatory environment and ethical issues surrounding regenerative medicine. The course is designed to provide the student with a contemporary view of both issues and solutions in this most important of healthcare and societal challenges.
Programme Aims
The aims of the course are to provide a framework in which students can:
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Develop a systematic understanding of knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of stem cells and their uses in regenerative medicine informed by current scholarship and research.
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Demonstrate critical awareness of current issues and developments in regenerative medicine and stem cell research.
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Produce a research project in the subject, which will include a critical review of existing contemporary literature, evaluation of methodologies, as well as data collection, and interpretation.
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Develop and demonstrate a range of skills to extend the ability to undertake enhanced levels of independent learning, use initiative, demonstrate personal responsibility and independent problem solving, make decisions and communicate effectively using a range of media to both specialists and non-specialists.
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Enable individuals to engage with contemporary expertise and opportunities to interact with academic peers.
Programme Structure
Modules will comprise of 200 student learning hours per 20 level 7 credits including 30 taught/contact hours, 5 seminar contact hours and 165 self directed learning hours.
Trimester 1 10 weeks x 3.5 hours per module Oct – Dec
Trimester 2 10 weeks x 3.5 hours per module Jan – April
Trimester 3 10 weeks lab based project May - July
Modules
Molecular and Cellular Basis for Ageing
This module is designed to introduce students to the biological intricacies of ageing, allowing them to develop a sound knowledge of the ageing process at the cellular and molecular level. Current theories of how ageing takes place will be discussed along side evidence derived from the cellular and molecular sciences to develop sound arguments and discussion based upon contemporary scientific literature. A thorough understanding of current knowledge of the molecular basis for ageing is imperative for the advancement of further research and application of technologies available to maintain health in to old age. It is anticipated that knowledge gained in this module can be applied to a range of modules in the programme.
Stem Cell Biology and Applications in Medicine
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of stem cell biology and allow them to develop a detailed understanding of stem cell applications in current and future medicine. Landmark scientific literature and key findings will be presented and discussed to develop a sound understanding of the technology used in cell therapies. First hand experience of cell culture techniques will allow students an appreciation of the technical aspects involved in cell therapies and clinical scale cell production.
Research Methods and Funding
Part of the role for further development as an effective scientist is the ability to apply for grant funding and communicate science to peers and the public. This module will enable students to develop the skills required in order to write an effective grant funding proposal based on their research project and to peer review a scientific manuscript. Students will also present data to both scientific and non-scientific audiences thus preparing them for public engagement of science.
Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering
This module is designed to expand on the knowledge of stem cells gained in previous modules and introduce the complexities of their clinical application and uses in tissue engineering. Current cell therapies will be discussed in conjunction with future therapies and scaffold design based on current scientific literature to develop sound arguments. A detailed understanding of cell based therapies and tissue engineering is key to the progression of the field.
Independent Study Project
This Masters level module is designed to facilitate independent student engagement in published contemporary research through the production of an extensive critically evaluative report analyzing a specific area relevant to the degree title. The choice of topic will remain with the student, but is to be agreed by the module leader and supervisor. The selection of subject should reflect the student’s own interests, or future career aspirations. In order to ensure appropriate breadth within the degree programme, it must be sufficiently different from the topic that the student chooses to undertake for their dissertation project.
Biotechnology and Business Development
This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the regulations and ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. The module will also outline the route to cell therapy commercialization including patent applications, intellectual property, clinical trials and marketing. This module will provide students with the tools needed to capitalize on novel research and to market current therapies covering contemporary issues surrounding innovation and enterprise.
Dissertation
The Masters level dissertation will provide an opportunity for individuals to conduct a research project within the discipline of the science of healthy ageing. The focus of the dissertation will be a research-based study that will link with the research interests of staff as appropriate. This will give students the opportunity to participate in and develop a current research area. The skills developed on this module will include: critical evaluation of knowledge, methodologies and data; practical data collection and interpretation skills; data analysis and presentation; critical consideration of data, interpretation and drawing of conclusions; as well as project management and autonomous learning. Students will have to demonstrate their understanding via a poster presentation and give 10 minute talk to the School of Science Technology and Health during a Research Day which will include a panel of assessors. The module is expected to draw on knowledge and skills developed throughout the modules on the programme to facilitate the demonstration of an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to the project.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
A diverse range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies are used on the course. A balanced mix of traditional and contemporary learning approaches. Examples include interactive lectures and seminars; laboratory work; group discussions; problem based learning; group activities; case study analysis and the use of the online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Through the VLE students have access to module content, including additional reading material, power point presentations, and links to relevant websites. Discussion boards are used to encourage students to engage in academic discussions with their peers and staff.
Assessment is used to demonstrate that the learning outcomes have been achieved, and is critical to learning. A range of summative assessment types are employed within the programmes to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. Assessment methods include; A grant application; discussion papers; critical essays; examinations; presentations, including peer-assessed presentations; poster presentations; literature reviews; production of a business plan; brief communications of a detailed scientific topic to a layperson and scientist, and a research dissertation.
Timetabling
The course is modular, consisting of modules worth 20 credits. Full time students will therefore take 180 credits in any one academic year and will expect to complete the course in one year. Teaching of the modules begins at the end of September and finishes at the end of April, with breaks for Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. Reading weeks mid-term allow for consolidation of course material. The Summer Trimester between April and July is the period in which students undertake their research projects known as a dissertation. All students will be expected to undertake approximately three hours of independent study for every hour of contact time. Students will be provided with timetables when they join the course.
Course Delivery
The course is delivered at the Ipswich Campus, taking advantage of the teaching rooms and learning resource centre of the waterfront buildings which include the new James Hehir building (JHB). The James Hehir Building is home to specialist teaching and research facilities including stem cell research laboratories, clinical skills laboratories, physiology and exercise science laboratories, and an iLab, as well as general teaching laboratories and study space.
Tutorial and Study Support
Each student will be assigned a personal tutor with whom they will have a meeting at least once a term to discuss progress on the course and assist in areas of difficulty. The teaching team are dedicated to ensuring students have the best possible experience, so are keen to help and support wherever possible. There are also excellent central services in areas such study skills, learning development, library support, counselling and financial support.
Opportunities on Completion of the Course
Our graduates will be well placed to secure jobs as researchers working in universities, pharmaceutical and bioscience companies and institutes. Some graduates may progress into laboratory-based careers in clinical or technical roles which do not involve research. The transferable skills developed during the course will equip graduates for a wide range of careers outside the laboratory for example within scientific publication.
While this course provides students with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge base for employment in a wide range of biologically based careers and research. It is also an excellent foundation for further study in the fields of teaching and the professions allied to medicine.
Additionally, the course prepares students for higher level study such PhD level study.