Course coordinator
Professor Justin Cooper-White
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Introduction to mammalian cell & tissue engineering for human therapeutic applications. Design and production of functional tissue units, therapeutic cells and biomolecules. Clinical applications and regulatory issues.
Cell and Tissue Engineering (C&TE) is a constantly evolving field with the potential to deliver therapeutic solutions that lie beyond the limitations of traditional pharmaceutical treatments and biomaterials.
C&TE aims to employ our understanding of tissue formation, cell (including stem cell) and tissue function, and mechanisms of tissue repair, to develop new strategies for the treatment of disease and augmentation or replacement of damaged tissue.
Applications range from cellular delivery of biotherapeutics (e.g. cells producing dopamine for treatment of Parkinson’s) and manufacture of immune cells to fight cancer (e.g. T and dendritic cell therapies), through to mass production of skin for wound healing, cartilage for knee repair or cardiomyocyte cells for heart repair.
This course will introduce the student to the challenging multidisciplinary field of C&TE and will discuss the following aspects:
- how and where C&TE can be applied
- how to develop C&TE solutions, from "beaker to body"
- how to achieve cost effective, scalable and reproducible C&TE solutions, and the regulatory and ethical barriers involved
The course will be structured with a combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals covering: cells as therapeutic agents, morphogenesis, stem cells, cell-fate processes, biological data mining, cell and tissue property measurement, cell and tissue culture, gene transfer, scaling up for ex-vivo cultivation (bioreactors), biomaterial scaffolds, tailoring biomaterials, clinical approaches, host integration, and characterisation.
Assessment will include quizzes, lab practicals, and a final project/research report and presentation. There is no final exam.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Some basic knowledge of cell biology, physiology, and surface and materials science is desirable. Any biomaterials background will be useful.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(CHEE2040 AND (BIOE1001 OR BIOL1020)) or BIOE3001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE7408 and CHEE4034
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Justin Cooper-White
Dr Ali Shokoohmand
Dr Rose Ann Franco
Professor Simon Cool
Tutor
Mr Micah Clarke
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables are subject to change during the beginning of semester. ﾠFor up to date timetable information please check mySI-Net.
Aims and outcomes
There are two main objectives of this course:
- Learn to apply the principles of biology, biotechnology, materials science, engineering methods and clinical practice to engineer tissues and cells.
- Become familiar with a variety of approaches to engineering tissues and cells, including cell-based therapies and material-based therapies.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Knowledge of the field: Demonstrate a general understanding of the breadth and scope of the field of cell tissue and engineering, as well as current trends in the field.
LO2.
Independent Learning: Manage personal independent research and learning through pro-active and responsible use of resources such as the library and internet.
LO3.
Ethical and Social Impact: Comprehend the applicable ethical and social impacts of the field of cell and tissue engineering.
LO4.
Scientific Communication: Conduct effective scientific written and oral communication of research findings. Employ correct referencing and scientific structure in reports and presentations.
LO5.
Group work: Improve laboratory-based teamwork skills through practice, reflection, and feedback.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration | Safety Induction | Pass/Fail |
26/02/2025
In allocated time slots. |
| Quiz |
Quiz
|
24% Hurdle (8 in total, best 6 used) |
7/03/2025 - 9/05/2025
Held at start of tutorial as set out in the Learning Activities. |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
TE Lab Based Practical Booklet and Angiogenesis Practical Report
|
16% Hurdle |
Practical Booklet 1/04/2025 5:00 pm In-class Exam 16/04/2025 8:00 am |
| Project | C&T Engineering Innovation Project Proposal and Project Pitch | 60% |
23/05/2025 - 28/05/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Safety Induction
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
26/02/2025
In allocated time slots.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Submission of a completed and signed “Student Safety Declaration Form” is required to pass this assessment. These forms will be handed out at the induction and will be kept as a record of proof of attendance. Exceptions to the above will only be made under the same circumstances for any other exam (e.g. in cases of genuine illness where a medical certificate is provided). In such circumstances a single “special” safety induction will be held. For further information and enquiries, contact the Course Co-ordinator.
Occupational Health and Safety
Students should be familiar with University policy Laboratory Safety in Teaching Laboratories (https://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/2.30.14-occupational-health-and-safety-laboratory). Pertinent information is in the mandatory online module and assessment, UGRD01. UGRD01 can be found on Blackboard in the Training courses Tab > UQ Workplace Inductions and OHS Training > UG Lab Students. UGRD01 only needs to be completed once. The Minimum PPE required in all School of Chemical Engineering undergraduate laboratories is, safety spectacles or over glasses, lab coat, long trousers that cover the ankles and fully enclosed shoes. Laboratory and practical specific information is given at beginning of each practical. It is important you arrive on time or you may not be allowed into the laboratory.
Submission guidelines
The completed and signed declaration form must be submitted to the presenter at the end of the induction before leaving the room.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Quiz
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 24% Hurdle (8 in total, best 6 used)
- Due date
7/03/2025 - 9/05/2025
Held at start of tutorial as set out in the Learning Activities.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Total of 8 x 30 minute quizzes, worth 4% each, covering all associated material in slides, within the highlighted chapters of the course texts, and tutorial materials. These quizzes are formative and will help you embed your understanding of the course material. Participation in the quiz requires you to provide an answer to every question. In doing this, you will be awarded 1%. Assuming you have participated in the quiz, the quiz will be marked. Your score out of the total set for the quiz will determine the remainder of your mark for the quiz, up to a maximum of 3%. If you do not participate in a quiz, you get 0% of your mark. Your best 6 quiz marks out of the 8 quizzes will be used to sum up your total marks for this assessment item (out of a total of 24%).
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Hurdle requirements
Students must obtain a grade of 50% to pass this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Due to the in-class nature of the quiz and to ensure its integrity non-attendance will result in a 0% mark. Your best 6 quiz marks out of the 8 quizzes will be used to sum up your total marks for this assessment item (out of a total of 24%).
TE Lab Based Practical Booklet and Angiogenesis Practical Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 16% Hurdle
- Due date
Practical Booklet 1/04/2025 5:00 pm
In-class Exam 16/04/2025 8:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
TE Lab Based Practical Booklet - Due date 01 April 17:00 Weight 8%
Students will be assessed on calculations and justification in relation to the angiogenic practical. The practical booklet will be released at 17:00 on the 26th of March for all students.
TE Lab based Angiogenesis Practical In-Class Exam - Due date 16 Apr 8:00 Weight 8%
Angiogenic Lab practical in-class exam will assess practical content, readings and associated electronic materials.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must obtain a combined grade of 50% for both tasks.Submission guidelines
Each student must submit their own practical booklet and lab report for assessment via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
C&T Engineering Innovation Project Proposal and Project Pitch
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
23/05/2025 - 28/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
C&T Engineering Innovation Project Proposal - Due date Week 12, 23 May 17:00, Weight 50%
Project completed in groups of 3.
From your now in-depth understanding of tissue engineering, you will be given a choice of tissues to engineer (Cartilage, Skin, or Vascular (excluding heart)). Once chosen, within the allotted timeslots in the course profile, perform a search of the literature and choose a minimum of ten (10) keystone papers (not Review papers) that present alternative approaches to achieving the goal of producing a tissue-engineered medical product you choose. This product and its format are entirely your choice. For example, it may vary from being an inductive scaffold for generating new tissue from stem cells, to being a platform creating mini-tissues for drug screening and stratification. In your own time and also within the allotted time slots, review these papers (and other papers, including up to three review papers) in detail (along with other associated works or cited references within them), using them to inform the conception, design and validation of your product.
Write a detailed project proposal (maximum 10 pages of text (12 point font, Times New Roman, single line spacing), inclusive of up to 5 figures (with captions) within this text (see example provided by the course coordinator of the suggested formatting). The aim of this proposal is to convince a funding organisation (Cooper-White-Cool Philanthropies) to fund your project. The timeframe of your project is 3 years.
The report is to be comprised of three sections, detailing 1.) 'Problem Statement and Aims' - the unmet need for such a product (the motivation) and the aims and objectives of the research project; 2.) 'Background'- a brief, concise review and critique of the research work performed to date (akin to a detailed literature review, a ‘state-of-the-art’ picture), and 3.) your 'Proposed Solution', inclusive of proposed experiments associated with achieving each aim and associated objectives, a statement of significance and innovation, a proposed timeline, budget table and budget justification.
The first section (‘Problem Statement and Aims’) is the problem statement. It must briefly summarise the need for such a tissue-engineered solution, including the associated aetiology of the disease (if applicable) or injury, biology, physiology, and existing surgical and commercial options. Here, you will also clearly state your aims and the objectives associated with each aim.
The second section (‘Background’) is a literature review. In this literature review, make sure to cite each of your chosen papers, including reference to the methods (experimental) used to fabricate and characterise the surfaces/scaffolds/devices/cells/tissue generated, highlighting the achievements of the research and also, if applicable, the failings. Further, make sure to critically analyse each of the works by comparing and contrasting the approaches taken by each group of researchers (responsible for the published works), highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the approach taken, and highlight any discrepancies in each of the papers, including any missing data or additional data that would have been useful or required to provide a more convincing argument or to substantiate their overriding hypotheses. Comment on the overall impact of the work, substantiating your statements with citation data and other related works. Ensure to make it clear to the funding body where the ‘holes’ in our understanding remain and the need for better solutions!
The final section describes your 'Proposed solution'. Using the content of the literature review as your 'state-of-the-art' position, you must propose the pathway forward for the development of a tissue engineered product for your chosen application, which outlines in detail your proposed methodology/ies to achieve a clinically translatable tissue engineered medical product, including the methods (experimental) used to fabricate and characterise the surfaces/scaffolds/devices/cells/tissue generated, and to validate the utility of the product in terms of cellular responses and tissue generated. Make sure to clearly justify why such choices were made, and highlighting any foreseen challenges or hurdles. Each proposed experiment will sit under a specific aim and objective, and expected outcomes should be clearly stated. Provide a single paragraph stating what the 'significance and innovation' of this project and the expected outcomes are, and what impacts it will have (if successful!) on the field of tissue engineering (in terms of new insights, understanding, knowledge) and also on the Australian healthcare system and society. Include either within the text or as a table, a timeline for each Aim and objective. You will need to provide a shortened budget table of proposed expenditure per year, including a written justification for each line item within your budget table. Lastly, you will be required to submit your reference list as a separate file, in a format that will be described during the consults.
C&T Engineering Innovation Project Pitch, Week 13, 27 May 12:00-14:00 or 28 May 8:00-10:00, Weight 10%
Presentations are split over two days in the normal tutorial/consult slots and students will be allocated a particular time. The presentation will be in your group of three.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Compulsory via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student did not submit any work nor attended any classes. Less than 20% overall. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant. At least 20% overall. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Some knowledge of the course is evident but the student only demonstrates a limited understanding of the underlying concepts and the information provided is largely inaccurate or irrelevant. At least 45% overall. If a student receives in excess of 50% overall but achieves less than 50% in the summation of the quizzes and laboratory practical (hurdles), they will receive a 3. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and at least a partial understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and some incorrect information. At least 50% overall. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a sound understanding of key concepts. There are only minor factual inaccuracies. At least 65% overall. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There is a demonstrated ability to solve previously unseen problems. There are only minor factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. At least 75% overall. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood and can be used to solve previously unseen problems. There is evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the course. There are no factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. At least 85% overall. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all quizzes or exams for this course. Please consult https://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators for information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Principles of Tissue Engineering (Fourth Edition)
Edited by: Robert Lanza, Robert Langer and Joseph P. Vacanti
Amsterdam : Academic Press
2013
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Lecture |
Introduction - Cell and Tissue Therapies Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Tissue Organisation and Tissue Dynamics Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Practical |
Induction (Compulsory) OH&S induction is compulsory. If you are not inducted, you cannot participate in the practicals throughout the semester. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Tutorial |
Tissue Org. & Dynamics Clarke & Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Morphogenesis and Stem Cells Cool Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Practical |
Cell and Tissue Culture Lab Practical 1, Group 1&2 (Shokoohmand & Franco in Bioeng. Teaching Lab. 50-C401) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Morphogenesis and Stem Cells Clarke & Cool Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Cellular Fate Processes and their Coordination Cool Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Practical |
Cell and Tissue Culture Lab Practical 1, Group 3&4 Shokoohmand & Franco in Bioeng. Teaching Lab. 50-C401 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Cell fate processes/coordination Clarke & Cool Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Conventional clinical approaches and time constant Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Practical |
Cell and Tissue Culture Lab Practical 2, Group 1&2 Shokoohmand & Franco in Bioeng. Teaching Lab. 50-C401 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Clinical approaches/Time Constants Clarke & Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Ex vivo scale-up for design and Microbioreactors Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Practical |
Cell & Tissue Culture Lab Practical 2, Group 3&4 Shokoohmand & Franco in Bioeng. Teaching Lab. 50-C401 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Ex vivo scale-up and microbioreactors Clarke & Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Gene transfer and HTP Biological Data Cool Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Practical |
Cell and Tissue Culture Lab Practcal 3, Group 1&2 Shokoohmand & Franco in Bioeng. Teaching Lab. 50-C401 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Gene Transfer, HTP biological data Clarke and Cool Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Biomaterial Scaffolds and Host Integration Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Practical |
Cell & Tissue Culture Lab Practical 3, Group 3&4 Shokoohmand & Franco in Bioeng. Teaching Lab. 50-C401 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Biomaterial Scaffolds & Host Integration Clarke & Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Tailoring Biomaterials - Intro to C&T Engineering Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
How to prepare C&T Engineering Innovation Project (Consult) Cool and Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
How to Pitch your C&T Eng. Innov. Project Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Tutorial |
Tailoring Biomaterials Clarke & Cooper-White Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.