Units / DEV3032
DEV3032 · Stem cells in development, disease and regeneration
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Faculty of Science
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit is structured into four overarching themes. It begins with an introduction to pluripotency, reprogramming and the microenvironment, followed by a focus on stem cell biology in reproductive development and fertility. The characteristics, anatomical location and clinical relevance of stem cells and regeneration in specific tissues are then described. The final theme focuses on stem cells and disease modelling. You also experience a real-world practical sequence, focused on the design and analysis of stem cell experiments.
Areas of study: Developmental biology
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Second semester | Activities scheduled as a mix of on-campus and online activities (BLENDED) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Practical classes | Demonstration | 40% | — |
| 2 | Written report | Written | 10% | — |
| 3 | Mid-semester test | Quiz / Test | 20% | — |
| 4 | Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes) | Examination | 30% | — |
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
- Describe the basic biology of embryonic and induced pluripotential stem cells;
- Describe the basic biology of newborn, adult and tissue-specific stem cells and the status of research into their characterisation and role in health and disease;
- Explain current and potential future applications of stem cell therapies for the regeneration of diseased organs and how stem cells can be combined with factors and materials and nanotechnology to engineer replacement tissues;
- Demonstrate practical laboratory skills and interpretation of scientific data in contemporary reproductive biology and/or stem cell research;
- Discuss controversies surrounding the commercialisation and ethics of stem cell research and advances and requirements for clinical treatments;
- Demonstrate critical and independent thinking in the synthesis of research reports and scientific presentation.
Workload
• Six hours of directed learning, including lectures, laboratories, and online activities and • Six hours of self-directed learning per week
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 24 hours |
| Laboratories | 20 hours |
| Tutorials | 4 hours |
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