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
- Biomedical Sciences School
Leading expert scientists in biomedicine discuss the foundational principles, state-of-the-art technologies and medical applications in the burgeoning fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. This course is relevant for students progressing into future careers in science and medicine.
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are exciting new fields of science that hold tremendous potential for improving medical care and patient outcomes. Drawing on human and animal models, DEVB3002 will build a solid foundation in the key concepts underpinning this importantﾠnew field of biomedical research. Students will learn about mechanisms of endogenous organ regeneration, methods of cellular reprogramming, stem cell microenvironments, clinical applications of diverse stem cell populations, harnessing the regenerative properties of different organ systems such as the heart and brain and how bioengineering is being applied to tissue repair. Moreover, students will learn about stem cell-derived organoids and how they are being used to model developmental processes and for drug screening and discovery research. This course will provide the necessary tools to understand current work in this field and expose students to the challenges that this exciting area of science faces going forward. ﾠStudentsﾠwill come away with an appreciation of the fundamentals driving the biotechnical revolution in regenerative medicine.
Course requirements
Assumed background
DEVB2000 (formerly BIOM2208)ﾠis the assumed prior learning standard for this course. Students should have prior understanding of basic developmental mechanisms and time courses, cell-to-cell communication systems and signal transduction mechanisms as well as an introductory understanding of cellular potency, differentiation, and cellularﾠlineages. An understanding of the basic mechanisms of genetic expression is desirable.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOM2208 or DEVB2000
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL2202 or BIOL2902
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
DEVB7002
Course contact
School enquiries
Student and Academic Administration Team
The SBMS Student and Academic Administration Team is located on Level 1 of the Sir William Macgregor Building (64-130)
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Simon Cool
Professor Stefan Thor
Journal club leader
Dr Annalisa Paolino
Professor Brian Key
Dr Cassy Spiller
Dr David Simmons
Professor Josephine Bowles
Professor Michael Piper
Dr Mel White
Associate Professor Rodrigo Suarez
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The aims of the course are to provide a comprehensive ﾠunderstanding of core concepts important for stem cellﾠbiology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, such as:
- Cellular potency
- Stem cell niches
- Cellular differentiation and mechanisms of lineage restriction
- Cellular reprogramming and induced pluripotency
In addition the course aims to:
- Learn lessons from lower organisms with robust regenerative capacities
- Survey the limited regenerative capacities of some mammalian tissues
This knowledge base will be applied to gain an understanding of:
- Current tissue engineering techniques
- Current cellular reprogramming technologies
- Current advances in regenerative medicine
- Current and future hurdles to the successful application of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine principles
- The current ethical and legislative landscape surrounding the emergence of these new technologies
- The current successes and challanges in commercialising new technologies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicineﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Communicate core concepts such as stem cell potential, stem cell niches, cellular differentiation and lineage restriction, cellular reprogramming, models of regeneration in lower organisms, and the limited regenerative potential of mammalian tissues.
LO2.
Critiquing tissue engineering technologies, induced cellular pluripotency and techniques being pursued in the development of regenerative medicine.
LO3.
Evaluate current limitations of stem cell technologies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and the challenges which need to be overcome to see these new advances progress into the commercial and therapeutic arenas.
LO4.
Identify and communicate the ethical, legal and commercial realities of new technologies in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields.
LO5.
Critically analyse and evaluate published research in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine.
LO6.
Work in teams to present ideas in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine.
LO7.
Communicate effectively ideas on the mechanisms that underlie the development of organisms and the application of these ideas to develop technologies in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation |
Journal Club Presentation
|
30% |
24/02/2025 - 30/05/2025 |
| Quiz |
In Class Quiz 1
|
15% |
3/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Online Quiz 2
|
5% |
7/05/2025 - 8/05/2025
Quiz will open at 13:00 on 07/05/2025 and close on 08/05/2025 |
| Project |
Group Wiki Assignment
|
20% |
31/03/2025 - 14/05/2025
Outline (5%) due March 31st (13:00) and the final page is due May 14th (13:00) |
| Quiz |
Online Quiz 3
|
5% |
28/05/2025 - 29/05/2025
Quiz will open at 13:00 on 28/05/2025 and close on 29/05/2025 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
25% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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
Journal Club Presentation
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 30/05/2025
Task description
Each student will sign up to a journal club, which will meet regularly throughout the semester. In these clubs students will be asked to give a paper presentation within a group setting. In addition, students are required to actively participate as an audience member for the presentations of each journal club; attendance is compulsory.
A pre-journal club prep sheet for the week's paper will be due at the start of each journal club session.
80% of the mark will be derived from your journal club presentation (rubric will be available on Blackboard).
20% of the mark will be based on the extent and quality of student participation in all the journal clubs for the semester.
Journal Clubs are 2 hours per week. You must sign up for one of the journal club slots and attend each session for the same journal club all semester.
Internal delivery - currently on campus, but if needed it can be delivered by Zoom remotely - as managed by the Journal Club leader. Presentations will be recorded.
Preparation of presentation:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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 AI 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 tools.
Presentation:
This assessment task is to be completed in-person.
Hurdle requirements
To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements: You must participate in the journal club sessions and complete a "reasonable" attempt of the journal club presentation, as defined by a 30 minute presentationﾠin front of an audience and answering questions on your paper/presentation.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
In Class Quiz 1
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
3/04/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
IN CLASS Quiz 1 will consist of multiple choice questions covering lecture material from weeks 1-5.
Details of the quiz format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
Online Quiz 2
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
7/05/2025 - 8/05/2025
Quiz will open at 13:00 on 07/05/2025 and close on 08/05/2025
Task description
Online Quiz 2 will consist of 15 multiple choice questions covering lecture material from weeks 7-9.
Details of the quiz format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed.
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into Blackboard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
Group Wiki Assignment
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
31/03/2025 - 14/05/2025
Outline (5%) due March 31st (13:00) and the final page is due May 14th (13:00)
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
Groups of approximately 4-5 students will work together to produce an interactive wiki page on a topic in regenerative medicine. The wiki page is expected to be up-to-date with the current literature on the given topic and be organised in an effective way so as to communicate the state of knowledge to a wider audience. In addition, the final page must observe all standards with respect to copyright and source referencing. Creativity and a professional style are highly encouraged and required for maximum marks.
The assignment is in two parts. First there is the creation of a page outline (worth 5%) that is submitted for feedback. After feedback, groups will continue to work on their assignments, with the final page (worth 15%) due for submission nearer the end of term.
The outline consists of the production of an framework for the wiki page and will constitute a breakdown of the format and "subtopics" that will be covered by the page. The purpose of the outline is two pronged: getting group members together to think about the content of their pages early in the semester to allow for better time management, and allowing the direction of the assignment to be evaluated before major investments of time and energy are put into the wiki page. The outline will be assessed on the detail of the wiki page framework, the organisation of the proposed page, evidence of creativity and whether there is a demonstration of insight into how the topic will be presented (visually and content).
The page outline is a group submission, all members of the group will receive the same mark for the outline of the wiki page.
For the final page, one wiki page per group will be submitted and worth a total of 15%. However, there is a small component of the overall mark for the final page that is generated from peer marking, so not every group member will necessarily receive the same mark for the wiki page.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
On the due date the Wiki page website will be closed to edits and the assignment will be considered submitted. No official submission or School coversheet is required.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
The maximum extension length possible for this piece of assessment is 7 calendar days. This is a group assignment with a single submission. Any individual extension will affect the due date for the whole group of students. In addition, the due date is very near the end of semester; a 4-week due date extension would place the due date into exam period.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
Online Quiz 3
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
28/05/2025 - 29/05/2025
Quiz will open at 13:00 on 28/05/2025 and close on 29/05/2025
Task description
Online Quiz 3 will consist of 15 multiple choice questions in total, covering lecture material predominantly from weeks 10-12.
Details of the quiz format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both are unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment, by for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed.
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into Blackboard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
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.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified penalty listed under Late Submission will be applied to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
End of Semester Exam
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
The exam will be a closed book on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
The exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus, undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform. Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49% ﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ OR A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% or greater, but less than a pass in any of the assessment hurdles outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64%,ﾠAND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74%ﾠ,ﾠAND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84%,ﾠAND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100%,ﾠAND successful completion of assessment hurdles as outlined below in "Additional Course Grading Information" |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course you must meet ALL the following hurdle requirements:
- You must participate in the journal club sessions and complete a "reasonable" attempt of the journal club presentation, as defined by a 30 minute presentationﾠin front of an audience and answering questions on your paper/presentation.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course and does NOT successfully complete the hurdles, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Information onﾠapplying for an assessment extensionﾠcan be found on theﾠApplying for an extensionﾠwebsite.
Information onﾠapplying for a deferred examﾠcan be found on theﾠDeferring an examﾠwebsite.
Information onﾠassessment re-mark requestsﾠcan be found on theﾠQuerying a resultﾠwebsite.
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
See the course web site for the latest information.
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 |
Concepts in Stem Cells and Regeneration [KEY] Milestones in the history of stem cells and regenerative medicine. |
|
Lecture |
Concepts in Stem Cells and Regeneration [KEY] Evolutionary perspectives on tissue regeneration: hydra to newts. |
|
Lecture |
Concepts in Stem Cells and Regeneration [KEY] Limited Mammalian Regeneration. |
|
Lecture |
Concepts in Stem Cells and Regeneration [KEY] Adult Stem Cells and Niches |
|
Lecture |
Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [KEY] Cellular Reprogramming: from Gurdon to Yamanaka |
|
Lecture |
Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [KEY] iPS cells: Modelling developmental processes and diseases in a dish. |
|
Lecture |
Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [THOR] What are human iPS cells used for? |
|
Workshop |
Wiki Assignment Workshop Introduction to the Wiki Assignment |
|
Lecture |
Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [THOR] Concepts and Techniques in Cellular Reprogramming |
|
Lecture |
Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [THOR] Techniques/Challenges in Stem Cell and Organoid Culture |
|
Lecture |
Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [THOR] Quality Control - How do you know you have what you think you have? |
|
Workshop |
Wiki Assignment Workshop Group Work - Crystallising topics and Creating a page outline |
|
Lecture |
Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [THOR] Lineages, Cell Division, and Xenografting |
|
Lecture |
Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells [THOR] Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: future applications of biomaterials & engineering technologies. |
|
Lecture |
Stem Cell Biotechnologies and Therapies [COOL] |
|
Lecture |
Stem Cell Biotechnologies and Therapies [COOL] |
|
Lecture |
Stem Cell Biotechnologies and Therapies [COOL] |
|
Lecture |
Lecture Free Day |
|
Lecture |
FIRST QUIZ - IN CLASS |
|
Lecture |
Good Friday Public Holiday |
|
Lecture |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK Mid-Semester Break |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem Cells and Regeneration [PIPER] Adult neurogenesis: basic biology, controversies, and potential uses in the treatment of stroke |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem Cells and Regeneration [PIPER] Parkinsonﾒs disease: Basic biology of the midbrain, neurodegeneration, and the use of different stem cell therapies in treating Parkinson's. |
|
Lecture |
Neural Stem Cells and Regeneration [PIPER] Spinal cord injury: basic biology of the spinal cord, pathophysiological consequences of injury, use of stem cell therapies as treatment |
|
Lecture |
Skeletal Muscle Regeneration [NOAKES] Skeletal muscle regeneration in lower vertebrates |
|
Lecture |
Skeletal Muscle Regeneration [NOAKES] Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Biology |
|
Lecture |
Skeletal Muscle Regeneration [NOAKES] Bioengineering skeletal muscle: implications for biology, disease and regenerative medicine. |
|
Lecture |
Cardiac Regeneration and Engineering [PALPANT] Cardiomyocyte turnover during development and disease and Cardiac Regeneration in lower vertebrates |
|
Lecture |
ANZAC PUBLIC Holiday ANZAC Public Holiday |
|
Lecture |
Cardiac Regeneration and Engineering [PALPANT] Stem cell populations in the adult heart |
|
Lecture |
Cardiac Regeneration and Engineering [PALPANT] Stem cell therapies and reprogramming strategies for heart regeneration. |
|
Workshop |
Wiki Assignment Workshop Last chance to get feedback from instructors on Wiki Page Assignment |
|
Lecture |
Cardiac Regeneration and Engineering [PALPANT] Cardiac re-development: lessons from the neonate. |
|
Lecture |
Cardiac Regeneration and Engineering [PALPANT] Cardiac tissue engineering: patching the heart for repair. |
|
Lecture |
Germ Cells [BOWLES] Germ Cells I |
|
Lecture |
Germ Cells [BOWLES] Germ Cells II |
|
Lecture |
Germ Cells [BOWLES] Germ Cells III |
|
Lecture |
Organoids and Human Reproduction [SIMMONS] Placental Stem Cells |
|
Lecture |
Organoids and Human Reproduction [SIMMONS] Modelling early development using stem cells |
|
Lecture |
Organoids and Human Reproduction [SIMMONS] Organoids to model human embryo implantation |
|
Lecture |
Guest Lecture - Prof Megan Munsie Commercial, regulatory and ethical considerations for regenerative medicine. |
|
Lecture |
Guest Lecture - Prof Megan Munsie Commercial, regulatory and ethical considerations for regenerative medicine. |
|
Lecture |
Revision Lecture [SIMMONS] Exam Format and Prep |
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: