Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Cell Therapy

Cell Therapy
6
13567
3
Second semester
OB
ADVANCED TRAINING
MEDICINE III
Main language of instruction: English

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish

Teaching staff


Dra. PÉREZ, Soledad Graciela - sperezam@uic.es

Please send an email to set up a meeting: 

Begoña Bosch: bbosch@uic.es

Soledad Pérez:  sperezam@uic.es 

Introduction

The subject Cell Therapy will show students how different cell types may be used as a curative or regenerative therapy. It will explore the different types of stem cells and their functions in different tissues, in addition to cellular modification strategies aimed at differentiating the desired cell type. Lastly, the course will explain some of the latest developments in the field of Bioengineering, including how biomaterials help enhance cell therapy and, by doing so, lead to better clinical results. 

Pre-course requirements

Cellular and molecular Biology

Biomaterials and Biocompatibility

Tissue engineering

Objectives

  • To become familiar with the different types of cells suitable for use in cell therapy
  • To understand cell reprogramming strategies
  • To become familiar with the techniques for harvesting cells
  • To understand the limitations of cell therapy
  • To become familiar with the different applications of biomaterials in cell therapy
  • To interpret scientific papers on various topics and define a better strategy

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CN01 - Describe aspects related to bioengineering based on subject-specific books together with scientific publications at the forefront of knowledge.
  • CN02 - Associate the assessments and implantable materials with the variability in the expression of diseases and biological differences between sexes.
  • CN06 - Define the fundamental principles of the technologies used in the design and manufacture of micro- and nanosensors in biotechnology areas.
  • CP04 - Produce fixed and removable structures in medical device applications.
  • CP08 - Apply biotechnological methodologies and tools for research, development and production of products and services.
  • HB01 - Convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  • HB05 - Integrate a third language, usually English, in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment, with an adequate oral and written level and applying the terminology of bioengineering
  • HB15 - Identify how bioengineering issues affect the specific needs or characteristics of men and women, in biological, social and cultural aspects, respecting the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights as well as the values of a culture of peace and democratic values that include the promotion of inclusive, non-discriminatory and stereotyped language.

Learning outcomes of the subject

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Describe the different cell types and their culture on substrates for tissue regeneration.
• Define the basic principles of tissue engineering and the combination of biologically active molecules, cells, and scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
• Apply techniques for culturing cells on biomaterials and evaluate results using molecular biology methods.
• Identify cell therapies as a tool to stimulate tissue regeneration.
• Investigate the combination of cell therapies with biomaterials to regenerate tissues.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to stem cells

  • Stem cell sources and harvesting techniques

  • Stem cell biology and advanced culture methods

  • Cell engineering and genetic modifications

  • Clinical applications of stem cells in cell therapy

  • Challenges and future perspectives in cell therapy

  • Cell lines: types and applications

  • Cellular immunotherapy: CAR-T cell therapy and dendritic cell therapy

  • Biomaterials and applications in tissue regeneration

  • Secretome and cell-free therapies

  • Extracellular vesicles

Teaching and learning activities

In person



The subject will consist of theoretical classes and laboratory sessions. In theory, all the concepts of cell therapy will be explained and also the application of this therapy in the regeneration of different tissues. In the laboratory sessions, the practical part of the subject will be done and the theory syllabus will be worked on in the laboratory.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



First sitting: 

1) Midterm exam: 35%

2) Projects: 20%

3) Laboratory: 10% (compulsory attendance)

4) Final exam: 35%

 

Second sitting: The same assesment criteria will be applied in the second sitting of the exam, without the possibility of obtaining a distinction with honors. Students who have not passed the course in the first sitting will have the opportunity to retake the final exam.

  

Important considerations: 

  1. Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be
    zero in that evaluation section. Besides, plagiarism during exams will mean the immediate failing of the whole subject.
  2. The laboratory session is mandatory  to pass the course. 
  3. The minimum final grade required to pass the course is 5 out of 10. In addition, the average grade of the exams must be 5 or higher in order to pass the course, regardless of the grades obtained in other assessment activities.
  4. Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted. 
  5. Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subjected to the same conditions as the rest of the students.

Bibliography and resources

  • Stem Cells and Cell Therapy. Mohamed Al-Rubeai, Mariam Naciri. Springer Netherlands (2013). ISBN: 9400771959, 9789400771956.
  • Cell Therapy: Current Status and Future Directions. Dwaine F. Emerich, Gorka Orive. Springer (2017). ISBN: 3319571532, 9783319571539.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 22/05/2026 A16 14:00h
Print version