Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- 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. This course is for the Master of Biotechnology student cohort.
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, DEVB7002 will build a solid foundation in the key concepts underpinning this important ﾠnew 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. ﾠStudents ﾠwill 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 background for this course. Students should have prior understanding of basic developmental biology mechanisms such asﾠ cell-to-cell communication systems and signal transduction mechanisms, as well as an introductory understanding of cellular potency, cellular differentiation, cellﾠlineages and cell reprogramming. An understanding of the basic mechanisms of genetic expression and familiarity with model organismsﾠis desirable.
For students entering DEVB7002 without having previously done ﾠDEVB2000; some remedial materials will be made available at the beginning of semester to help students identify knowledge gaps for assumed background concepts important for DEVB7002. In addition, access to DEVB2000 lectures and materials will be made available.ﾠ
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
DEVB2000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
DEVB3002
Restrictions
Internal offering only. Available to Master of Biotechnology students only.
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 Stefan Thor
Dr Christian Nefzger
Dr Alex Smith
Journal club leader
Professor Stefan Thor
Professor Michael Piper
Associate Professor Peter Noakes
Dr Annalisa Paolino
Dr Cassy Spiller
Dr Mel White
Dr Odette Leiter
Mrs Marise van der Spuy
Dr Yanina Alvarez
Associate Professor Shyuan Ngo
Dr Aswathi Gopalakrishnan
Dr Drew Neavin
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 understanding of core concepts important for stem cell biology, 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 medicine
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand 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.
Appraise tissue engineering technologies, induced cellular pluripotency and techniques being pursued in the development of regenerative medicine.
LO3.
Critique 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.
Evaluate 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% |
23/02/2026 - 29/05/2026 |
| Quiz |
In Class Quiz 1
|
10% |
2/04/2026 2:00 pm |
| Quiz |
In Class Quiz 2
|
10% |
5/05/2026 4:00 pm |
| Project |
Assignment
|
10% |
Step 1 Due 31/03/2026 5:00 pm Step 2 Due 14/04/2026 5:00 pm Step 3 Due 28/04/2026 5:00 pm Step 4 Due 11/05/2026 5:00 pm
Step 1 – Guided Protocol Extraction (2.5%) Due 31/3/2026 Step 2 – Independent Protocol Extraction (2.5%) Due 14/4/2026 Step 3 – Novel Protocol Curation (2.5%) Due 28/4/2026 Step 4 - Short Comparative Essay (2.5%) Due 11/5/2026 Please Note: All resources to complete the assignment, including a recording of the workshop, are available on Blackboard in the relevant folder. |
| Quiz |
In Class Quiz 3
|
10% |
28/05/2026 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
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
- Oral
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
23/02/2026 - 29/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Longitudinal.
Task description
Each student is required to 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 the individual 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. Students 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.
Attendance at all journal clubs is expected. Absences will affect the student participation component of your overall Journal Club mark.
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. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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 presentation in front of an audience and answering questions on your paper/presentation.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Deferrals only apply to the Presentation component of Journal Club. Please include the name of your Journal Club Leader in your deferral application. Deferrals are not required for sessions where you are not presenting in.
Late submission
No late submissions possible.
In Class Quiz 1
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
2/04/2026 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
IN CLASS Quiz 1 will consist of questions covering lecture material from weeks 1-5.
Details of the quiz format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your quizzes.
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.
In Class Quiz 2
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
5/05/2026 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
In Class Quiz 2 will consist of questions covering lecture material from weeks 7-9.
Details of the quiz format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your quizzes.
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.
Assignment
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Step 1 Due 31/03/2026 5:00 pm
Step 2 Due 14/04/2026 5:00 pm
Step 3 Due 28/04/2026 5:00 pm
Step 4 Due 11/05/2026 5:00 pm
Step 1 – Guided Protocol Extraction (2.5%) Due 31/3/2026
Step 2 – Independent Protocol Extraction (2.5%) Due 14/4/2026
Step 3 – Novel Protocol Curation (2.5%) Due 28/4/2026
Step 4 - Short Comparative Essay (2.5%) Due 11/5/2026
Please Note: All resources to complete the assignment, including a recording of the workshop, are available on Blackboard in the relevant folder.
Task description
Students will first attend a workshop to learn about a novel research project being run by Professor Nathan Palpant's laboratory involving the analysis of published cell differentiation protocols. Students will then be assigned new papers they must evaluate and upload details from into an expanding online database. Details of the assignment and marking criteria will be made available on Blackboard.
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
You must submit your Assessment task with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website (under Undergraduate - Assessment), to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Electronic cover sheet can be found here - https://biomedical-sciences.uq.edu.au/student-support/resources
This assessment must be submitted via a TurnItIn link on Blackboard. Please ensure you receive confirmation that your submission has been successful.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
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.
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.
In Class Quiz 3
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/05/2026 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
In Class Quiz 3 will consist of questions covering lecture material predominantly from weeks 10-12.
Details of the quiz format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your quizzes.
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.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
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% 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%,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.
The supplementary assessment may be in the form of an exam (written or oral), a written submission or another assessment as determined by the Course Coordinator. It may be made up of multiple components and will allow students to meet any outstanding Learning Outcomes. The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only and a passing grade will be awarded only if a student passes the supplementary assessment. Assessment items such as Inspera exams or In-Person invigilated quizzes (even if conducted via an online platform) cannot be completed off-Campus and students are expected to return to Campus to complete these types of assessment items.
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
Library resources are available 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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 - Concepts in Stem Cells and Regeneration [SIMMONS] Overview of DEVB3002/DEVB7002 course structure and content. Introduction and discussions of foundational concepts to be built upon in later weeks of the course. |
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 - Regenerative Decline, Cell Identity, and Reprogramming [NEFZGER] Topics include reprogramming to pluripotent, regenerative decline across the lifespan, and cell identity - how it is established, maintained, and compromised in ageing and disease. |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Weeks 3 & 4 - Cellular Reprogramming and Tissue Engineering [THOR] Topics include: What are human iPS cells used for? Concepts and techniques in cellular reprogramming, techniques in stem cell and organdie culture, quality control (how do you know you have what you think you have?, Lineages and cell division modes, Xenografting. |
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 4 - Assignment Workshop Workshop for Assignment - Tuesday March 17th - In Workshop Timetable Slot. |
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 - Stem Cell Biotech and Stem Cell Therapies [SMITH] |
Week 6 (30 Mar - 05 Apr) |
Workshop |
Week 6 - Quiz 1 In Person Quiz, covering lecture material from weeks 1-5, held on Thursday April 2nd during normal lecture time. Rest of the week is lecture free. |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Weeks 7 & 8 - Cardiac Regeneration and Stem Cells [PALPANT] Topics include: Cardiac cell turnover and regeneration in lower vertebrates, stem cell populations in the heart, stem cell therapies and reprogramming strategies for heart regeneration, cardiac re-development (sessions from the neonate), Cardiac tissue engineering, and Drug discovery for heart disease. |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 - Stem cells of the nervous system [PIPER] Topics include: adult neurogenesis, stem cells and the treatment of stroke, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury. |
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Workshop |
Week 10 - In Person Quiz 2 In Person Quiz 2 - Covers lecture material from weeks 7-9 - Held Tuesday May 5th during normal lecture time slot. |
Lecture |
Week 10 - Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells [Noakes] First lecture made available online on May 5th, remaining two lectures in person on Thursday and Friday. |
|
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 - Germ Cells [BOWLES] |
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 - Stem Cells in Reproduction and Modelling Early Development [SIMMONS] Topics include: Placental stem cells, Modelling Human Development in a Dish |
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Lecture |
Week 13 - Guest Lecture - Prof Megan Munsie Commercial, regulatory and ethical considerations for regenerative medicine. |
Workshop |
In Person Quiz 3 In Person Quiz 3 - Covers lecture material from weeks 10-12 - During normal lecture time on Thursday May 28th. |
|
Lecture |
Week 13 - 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 for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
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: