Stem Cells and Regeneration (381-0-1)

Instructors

Christian Paul Petersen
847/467-3553
Pancoe 4411

Meeting Info

Technological Institute M152: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

The use of stem cells for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissue is widespread throughout the animal kingdom. In addition, species vary in their natural abilities of repair tissue in adulthood, from wound healing and scar formation to complete cell/tissue/organ regeneration after damage. What are the molecular processes that imbue stem cells with their unique abilities, how are these controlled by the organism, and how can they be harnessed therapeutically? This course takes a comparative approach to explore this fascinating problem by critically examining classic and modern scientific literature about the developmental and molecular biology of regeneration and both embryonic and adult stem cells.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0 and BIOL_SCI 203-0 to register for this course.

Teaching Method

In this course, students will learn principles of developmental analysis as applied to studying the biology of stem cells and tissue regeneration. We will interleave class sessions with lectures and discussions of classic and contemporary primarily literature to learn how experimental information is used to explain developmental phenomena. This course will provide a framework for understanding how biologists analyze gene function and cell lineage to uncover the molecular pathways and cellular processes involved in regeneration and stem cell biology in animals.

Evaluation Method

Grading will be based on a combination of quizzes, written assignments, and in-class discussions

Class Materials (Required)

"The Science of Stem Cells" by Jonathan M.W. Slack; ISBN-13: 978-1119235156

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Biology Majors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites and registered for any required corequisites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0 and BIOL_SCI 203-0 to register for this course.