Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells

Subject BTCH90008 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48 hours comprising 3 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

650-121 Biomolecules and Cells or equivalent

620-155 Calculus II or equivalent

610-150 Chemistry for Biomedicine or equivalent

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Andrea O'Connor

Contact

Email: a.oconnor@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject will detail the scope and potential of tissue engineering and the potential roles of different types of stem cells in tissue engineering. It will address the use of biomaterials in tissue engineering; major scaffold materials and fabrication methods, scaffold, strength and degradation; cell-surface interactions, surface recognition, biocompatibility and foreign body reactions; the role and delivery of growth factors for tissue engineering applications; in vitro and in vivo tissue engineering strategies, challenges, cell culture, scale-up issues and transport modelling; ethical and regulatory issues. In addition clinical applications of tissue engineering will be discussed, such as bone regeneration, vascular grafts, breast reconstruction, cardiac and corneal tissue engineering, and organogenesis (e.g. pancreas).

Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

- discuss the motivation and current status of tissue engineering developments;

- describe the sources, selection, potential manipulation and challenges of using stem cells for tissue engineering;

- describe the design criteria, materials selection and fabrication methods for biomaterial scaffolds; and

- discuss the challenges of in vivo implantation of biomaterials and scale up issues relating to human clinical applications of tissue engineering and stem cells.

Assessment:

Two assignments each between 2,000 and 3,000 words, one due mid-semester and one due towards the end of semester, contributing 20% to the final mark; as well as an end of semester examination not exceeding three hours contributing 80% of the final mark. A mark of 40% or more in the end of semester examination is required to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: TBA
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Upon completion of this subject, students should gain the ability to:

- apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;

- undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;

- utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance; and

- function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member.

Notes:

This subject is co-taught with the undergraduate subject 411-394 Tissue Engineering and the postgraduate subject 411-651 Tissue Engineering.

Related Course(s): Master of Biotechnology

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