Course syllabus for Cell Biology, Development and Regeneration

Cellbiologi, utveckling och regeneration

Specific entry requirements

At least the grade G (Pass) for the courses Frontiers in Biomedicine, Applied Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, semester 1 elective course, Bioethics and Laboratory Animal Science, Applied Biomedical Communication and Professional Development, and registration for the course Frontiers in Biomedicine: Research Project 1, within the Master's Programme in Biomedicine.

Outcomes

The main objective of this course is to introduce the student to the latest advances in the fields of stem cell and developmental biology, regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics.

Using a translational approach, the course will provide increased understanding of systems biological functions in health and disease. The importance of sex and gender perspectives, sustainable development and internationalization in biomedical research will be presented.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Regarding knowledge and understanding

• Explain and discuss central concepts, methods and technologies in cell biology, genetics and genomics;
• Explain principles of human reproductive biology and health, including human-assisted stem cell and reproductive technologies and therapies;

Regarding competence and skills

• Be able to select, compare and critically evaluate methods and technologies used in cell biology, genetics and genomics research, as well as in the fields of developmental biology and regenerative medicine;
• relate experimental biomedical research to clinical therapies, including goals of sustainable development;
• Discuss the latest advances within the field of embryology, assisted reproductive technologies, stem cell research and regenerative medicine and propose potential future steps to improve health outcomes;
• Communicate scientific concepts in a clear and accurate manner both in speech and writing;

Regarding judgement and approach

• Demonstrate critical thinking when evaluating and proposing the incorporation of sex and gender perspectives in biomedical research and in the design of therapies.
• Discuss, based on relevant literature, the impact of genetic information on health and disease, including ethical considerations.

Content

The course consists of several modules within the areas of cell biology, genetics and genomics, as well as developmental biology and regeneration.

Teaching methods

The modules include lectures, discussions, seminars, laboratory practicals and demonstrations of methods and technologies. Great emphasis is placed on learner-centered activities, interactivity and peer learning, primarily during the experimental exercises and during the workshops. In addition, digital tools such as web-based modules will be used to enhance the process of learning.

Examination

Examination is performed at the end of each module and consists of oral and/or written assignments. Examination format will be communicated at the latest at the start of each module. The grading scale is fail/pass (U/G). To pass the entire course, a student must obtain the grade of pass (G) for all modules in the course.

Compulsory participation
Seminars, group work and laboratory sessions are compulsory according to information provided by each module.

The examiner assesses if and, in that case, how absence from compulsory components can be compensated. The student must participate in all compulsory parts or compensate for absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, in order to pass the course. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in the student not being able to compensate the absence until the next time the course is given.

Limitations of the number of examinations or practical training sessions
A student who does not pass an examination at their first attempt is entitled to participate in five additional examination sessions. If the student does not pass after four examinations, he/she is recommended to retake the course at the next regular course occasion, and may, after that, participate in two more examination sessions. If the student has failed six examinations, no additional examination sessions are provided.

Physically attending or otherwise commencing an examination is regarded as an examination session. Handing in a blank exam is considered taking part in an examination session. An examination, for which the student registered but did not participate, is not counted as an examination session.

Adaption of examination
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

Other directives

The course language is English and examination is performed in English.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.

Oral evaluation in the form of course council meetings will be carried out during the course.

Literature and other teaching aids

Course literature comprises scientific papers and teaching material handed out prior and/or during the course.