Classes and Clubs

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine; M272

This graduate level course is generally intended for Stem Cell Training Program students, providing them with current knowledge of embryonic and tissue-specific stem cells and how these pluripotent/multipotent populations can be used to treat congenital defects, diseases, or injury in humans. The course surveys current knowledge of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells and the factors that regulate their growth and development into tissue specific stem cells. Stem cells in the skin, hematopoietic, nervous, and other systems are discussed in order to provide examples of the various types of tissue specific, adult stem cells. Major emphasis is placed on how advances in cell and molecular biology and tissue engineering are applied to the use of embryonic and adult stem cells in regenerative medicine. In addition to these topics, students will be introduced to the ethical, regulatory, and legal issues related to stem cell research.

Contact: William Lowry, Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology (blowry@mcdb.ucla.edu)

This undergraduate course offers students education in pluripotent and tissue specific stem cells, and the potential of using these cells to treat congenital defects, diseases or injury in humans. The course reviews the current knowledge on the derivation of human and mouse pluripotent stem cells from embryos or through reprogramming, and the differentiation of these cells into various tissue types. Adult stem cells in hematopoietic, nervous, and other organ systems are discussed to provide examples of tissue specific stem cells and their impact on human disease. The various model organisms are also discussed to give examples of how such organisms provide a foundation for the discovery of fundamental principles in stem cell biology. Another major course objective is to introduce students to the ethical and legal issues related to stem cell research.

Stem Cell Biology, Politics and Ethics; MCD BIO 50

In this course, students will explore the developmental biology of stem cells with a particular focus on human stem cells and investigate the debate on human embryonic stem cell research. Students will begin by discussing the basic biology of human development, followed by a historical look at the discovery of stem cells, culminating in the current state of the field. An exploration of important social, ethical, political, and economic issues and how they arose with respect to the stem cell debate will round out the remainder of the course

Stem Cell Club

The Stem Cell Club is a venue for investigators, fellows, and students to share information about the science of stem cells. The club meets twice monthly and members provide presentations about laboratory progress.