| Code |
16696
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| Year |
1
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| Semester |
S1
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| ECTS Credits |
6
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| Workload |
PL(15H)/T(30H)/TP(15H)
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| Scientific area |
Biomedical Sciences
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Entry requirements |
N/A
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Learning outcomes |
Knowledge:
1. To provide conceptual and technical elements to understand the importance of stem cells in embryonic
development, tissue homeostasis and upon injury,
2. To understand the mechanisms of pluripotency and reprogramming,
3. To characterize stem cell niches and their role in maintaining homeostasis and response to an injury,
4. To convey the therapeutic potential of stem cells and its limitations,
5. To discuss ethical issues associated with the use of stem cells for clinical and Research and Development (R&D) purposes.
6. To understand the main experimental models and methodologies used in the study of stem cell biology.
Soft skills:
1. To develop critical thinking and logical-deductive reasoning to identify and solve problems,
2. To acquire oral and written communication skills
3. To develop team cooperation and leadership skills.
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Syllabus |
Theoretical (T)
1. Basic principles about stem and progenitor cells.
2. Cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells.
3. Pluripotent stem cells. Reprogramming. Biomedical and clinical applications.
4. Multipotent stem cells: hematopoietic, mesenchymal, neural, intestinal and cardiac. Cellular and molecular characterization. Activity and function in homeostasis and upon an injury. Application in cell therapies.
5. Stem cell dysregulation in aging and cancer.
Theoretical-Practical (TP)
1. Organoids in regenerative medicine.
2. Supervision and presentation of original scientific articles and scientific poster
Laboratory practices (PL)
1. Stem cell cultures.
2. Methodologies to evaluate proliferation.
3. Methodologies to evaluate differentiation.
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Main Bibliography |
1. Stem Cells Handbook. Sell S. 2nd edition (2013). Humana Press, New York. ISBN 978-1-4614-7695-5.
2. Developmental Biology. Gilbert SF and Barresi MJF. 11th edition (2016). Sinauer Associates, Inc., Massachusetts
U.S.A, ISBN 9781605354705.
3. Principles of Regenerative Medicine. Atala A, Lanza R, Thomson J, Nerem R. 2nd edition (2011). Academic Press. ISBN: 9780123814227.
4. Original and review articles
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Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
In the theoretical classes (T), knowledge will be discussed in an integrated and interactive manner. In the laboratory classes (PL), experimental techniques in the field of stem cell biology will be carried out. In the theoretical-practical classes (TP), work will be based on the analysis and presentation of original scientific articles, as well as the preparation and presentation of a scientific poster.
The assessment consists of written exams covering the theoretical and laboratory components - 60% (80% theoretical: average of 2 theoretical tests + 20% practical test); presentation of theoretical-practical work – 25% (15% article, 10% poster); and professional attitudes and participation in classes (15%).
A grade of 9.5 or higher is required for approval. Minimum attendance: 70% in theoretical classes, 80% in theoretical-practical classes, and 100% in laboratory classes. The exam period grade includes the result of the written exam (60%) and the grades obtained during the teaching.
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Language |
Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
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