Module: Regenerative Medicine

CSB1020H/F, Teaching Section LEC 0154

Coordinator: Professor Penney Gilbert (penney.gilbert@utoronto.ca)

Offered: Fall 2024, from late October to late November (Fridays from October 25th to November 29th)

Weight: One module (0.25 FCE)

Time: 10 am – 12 pm

Location: Ramsay Wright Building, St. George campus (room TBA)

Enrollment: Limit of 14 students

Description:

In this course we will delve into the innovative world of regenerative medicine; a translation-forward research field that aims to restore function to aged, injured, and diseased tissues. Our journey will begin by highlighting foundational discoveries in stem cell biology that opened up new regenerative medicine possibilities, followed by tracking the path forged by subsequent researchers to overcome hurdles impeding the translation of the initial discovery to clinical practice. Curated journal articles and videos, and break-out activities will frame our discussions of stem cell biology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and gene therapy approaches to restore function to blood, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues, while we also consider the ethics and the translational hurdles associated with regenerative medicine therapies. Canada is the proud birthplace of the discovery of stem cells, and much of the research we will draw upon was developed by scientists in Canada. 

Course Format:

This is a participatory course, meaning that we will learn through our interactions with one another in class. Each week on Quercus there will be required pre-class readings and other materials to review to prepare the student for the upcoming class. The class component of the course, comprised of class discussions, break-out activities, and short knowledge check quizzes, will be delivered synchronously and in person.

Evaluation:

Knowledge Check Quizzes                     30%

Participation                                             30%

*Rabbit Hole Assignment                       40%

Total                                                          100%

*Regen Med “Rabbit Hole” Assignment

To encourage curiosity and independent learning, this course has a Rabbit Hole written assignment. Professor Gilbert will provide a list of possible Rabbit Hole topic areas for students in the class to choose from. The topics will be related to the course materials, but are not directly covered within the course content. Each student will choose one of the topic areas for which to conduct their independent inquiry. With few exceptions, no two students may work on the same topic area. Rabbit Hole assignments are due on the final day of class. Additional details of this assignment can be found in the Rabbit Hole Assignment module on Quercus.

Website: Quercus

Last updated on August 9th, 2024