BRM5011 · Foundations for medical biotechnology and its applications

Overview

This unit discusses the fundamentals of human body systems, including cellular, developmental, immunological and haematological processes, and the application of knowledge of these processes in medical biotechnology. The molecular and cellular basis of common diseases affecting important organs and/or parts of our body will be presented in the context of designing better therapeutic approaches for these disorders. Moreover, the unit covers the basic rules of animal regeneration to unlock regenerative potential in patients for treatment of a range of currently untreatable disorders, and discusses the manipulation of cell populations in the body to help tissues repair more effectively. The response of organs after injuries and/or diseases, and the innate regenerative potential that exists for these organs in mammals is examined.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Apply knowledge of the fundamentals of developmental biology and genetics to explain the development of important organ systems
2. Relate knowledge of neuroscience, haematology, immunology, muscles, heart and bones to the development of medical applications
3. Identify the basic rules that govern formation of organ stem cells in the embryo and adult and analyse their role in organ regeneration
4. Discuss on the importance of haematological and immunological systems in regenerative medicine
5. Demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of tissue injuries and repair processes
6. Justify contemporary approaches and incentives to treat challenging diseases and injuries of the neural, cardiac, musculoskeletal systems

Workload

4 contact hours (2 hour seminar and 2 hour practical/ tutorial) 8 hours of private study (expected to be spent on assignments, and designated pre-class and post-class learning activities to prepare for classes and consolidate knowledge. Please refer to Moodle for additional details.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.