BIOL 410 - Seminar in Stem Cell Biology

This course focuses on how the body utilizes stem cells to generate, maintain, and repair tissues after injury and under normal conditions throughout life. Topics covered will include the biological properties of stem cells, the potential use of stem cells in research and in treating disease, and multiple systems of the body in an effort to illustrate similarities and differences in normal and regenerative approaches to stem cell based repair mechanisms. Methods used to generate and/or study stem cells will be covered in depth, as will related concepts such as cell signaling and differential gene expression. The course will involve extensive reading and discussion of primary literature to gain historical perspective as well as an up-to-date view of the field. We will also read and discuss a variety of perspectives on the societal and ethical issues associated with stem cell research and its potential therapeutic applications. Three lecture/discussion hours each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 190 and BIOL 200; junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor. Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)