BIMBD1-Regenerative Medicine

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Phillip Dash
Email: p.r.dash@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Regenerative biology is an emerging interdisciplinary field of research with clinical applications focused on the repair, replacement or regeneration of cells, tissues, or organs. It uses a combination of approaches including soluble molecules, gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, immune modulation, tissue engineering, and the reprogramming of cell and tissue types. Studying normal processes in tissue growth and maintenance gives clues to the molecular pathology that underlies disease and conversely the study of age related or genetic diseases underpins our understanding of normal tissue homeostasis and repair.

Aims:
To understand the background of therapeutic approaches to age-related or genetic diseases. This will include understanding approaches such stimulation of endogenous stem cells (age-related), migration of stem cells, tissue engineering and the transfer of genes into affected tissues. Also students will understand how the immune system can modify disease progression and presentation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should have understood the concepts and technologies currently under development to address unmet clinical needs in the area of regenerative medicine. Students will develop critical analysis, written and presentation skills through the analysis of the field of regenerative medicine and the wider scientific literature.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
The Autumn term module will introduce students to the major technologies and techniques currently being developed to repair, replace or regenerate cells, tissues, or organs to counter human clinical diseases. Further, understanding the role that the immune system plays in modifying and/or exacerbating disease establishment or progression will provide additional insights into disease processes and suggest further targets for therapeutic intervention. Thus medicine development will continue to address the primary pathology OR the consequence of the pathology. Students will understand that multi-modal approaches will become the norm throughout the 21st century and more emphasis will centered on the development of personalized medicines. Student critical thinking, analysis and presentation skills will also be assessed through written tests, tutorials and oral presentations.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module will primarily be delivered by attendance at lectures, seminars, small group tutorials and problem$£based learning presentations. Additionally, individual study will be required to review the literature in preparation for the tutorials and presentations.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials	20
Guided independent study:	160
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
N/A

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
A reassessment essay title will be provided by the module convenor.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023