GS040042  Stem Cells in Biomedicine

Wassler, Michael. Two semester hours. Spring annually. Prerequisite: consent of instructor

A stem cell is a cell from the embryo, fetus, or adult that has, under certain conditions, the ability to reproduce itself for long periods or, in the case of adult stem cells, throughout the life of the organism. It also can give rise to the specialized cells that make up the tissues and organs of the body. Much basic understanding about embryonic and adult stem cells has come from animal research and from stem cell lines established from embryonic tissues.

The objective of this graduate school course is to provide students information on stem cell biology and the latest development in animal and human stem cell research and application. This course will offer students a great opportunity to improve their knowledge on adult and embryonic stem cells and master this research tool for their studies. The long-term objective of this course is to increase the number of researchers who have both the knowledge and skills in the use of animal and human stem cells.

Students will receive a review of basic stem cell biology and experimental/clinical application of stem cells in biomedicine for the use of human biological materials, including proper exposure precautions, safe methods of disposal, and scientific record keeping. Students are also going to learn recent development in stem cell research in both basic and clinical medicine. A group of scientists with broad expertise on stem cell biology, biochemistry and clinical application are going to teach portions of this course.