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

  • CB1 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study based on general secondary education. This knowledge should be of a level that, although based on advanced textbooks, also includes some of the cutting-edge elements from their field of study.
  • CB2 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that are demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
  • CB3 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) and to issue judgements that include a reflection on important issues that are social, scientific or ethical in nature.
  • CB4 - Students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • CE16 - To apply specific Bioengineering terminology both verbally and in writing in a foreign language.
  • CG10 - To know how to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment.
  • CG3 - To be able to learn new methods and theories and be versatile so as to adapt to new situations.
  • CG4 - To resolve problems based on initiative, be good at decision-making, creativity, critical reasoning and communication, as well as the transmission of knowledge, skills and prowess in the field of Bioengineering
  • CT3 - To know how to communicate learning results to other people both verbally and in writing, and well as thought processes and decision-making; to participate in debates in each particular specialist areas.
  • CT4 - To be able to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or by management tasks, with the aim of contributing to undertaking projects based on pragmatism and a feeling of responsibility, taking on commitment while bearing the resources available in mind.
  • CT5 - To use information sources in a reliable manner. To manage the acquisition, structuring, analysis and visualisation of data and information in your specialist area and critically evaluate the results of this management.
  • CT6 - To detect gaps in your own knowledge and overcome this through critical reflection and choosing better actions to broaden your knowledge.
  • CT7 - To be fluent in a third language, usually English, with a suitable verbal and written level that is in line with graduate requirements.

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of this course, students will be able to: 

  • Interpret cell therapy-related research and clinical cases
  • Understand cell modulation strategies and how biomaterials improve their action
  • Develop a critical opinion and be able to defend it through an oral presentation

 

Syllabus

CLASSICAL CELL THERAPY

  1. Introduction to cell therapy
  2. Stem cells: general aspects and types
    1. Hematopoietic stem cells: Principal use and harvesting techniques. 
    2. Mesenchymal stem cells: principal use and harvesting techniques
    3. Pluripotent stem cells: principal use and harvesting techniques
    4. Other types of stem cells
    5. Genetic editing: Strategies and techniques

BIOMATERIALS AND CELL THERAPY

  1. Biomaterials and cell therapy
  2. Applications of biomaterials in cell therapy
    1. Vacular tissue
    2. Bone tissue
    3. Cartilague tissue
    4. Neuronal tissue
  3. Personalized cell therapy

 

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 and the individual project have obligatory participation to pass the course. 
  3. A minimal mark of 4,5 should be obtained in the final exam and in the individual project to pass the course.
  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 23/05/2024 A09 14:00h
  • E2 25/06/2024 P2A02 14:00h
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