GENE757 STEM CELLS AND NEUROBIOLOGY
| Course Code: | 2190757 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Molecular Biology and Genetics |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Assoc.Prof.Dr. ERKAN KİRİŞ |
| Offered Semester: | Fall and Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
Stem cell-based technologies have revolutionized our approaches and understanding of neurobiology within the past 10 years. Recent advancements demonstrated that human pluripotent cells can be successfully differentiated into many specific and functional neural cell types in vitro. Such human culture systems offer unique platforms for i) basic research to obtain fundamental knowledge on the differentiation and function of human neural cells, ii) high-throughput drug screening assays, iii) toxicity testing using physiologically relevant cells. Additionally, clinical applications of stem cell-based therapies on neurodegenerative diseases has been on the rise with many ongoing human clinical trials.
This course aims to introduce stem cell biology and the way in which it has developed and advanced our ability to study human neural cells in health and disease, through lectures and critical readings of current research literature.
Course Content
Stem cells and neurobiology, Stem cell-based technologies in Neurobiology, Stem-cell derived neural cell types for basic research, Stem cell-derived neural models as drug discovery platforms, Therapeutic applications of stem cells in Neurobiology, Induced pluripotent stem cells and neurodegenerative disease modeling, CRISPR/Cas9 strategies for genome editing in neurodegenerative diease modeling,, Two-and three-dimensional neural cultures generated from stem cells.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will gain knowledge on neural stem cells, embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, and directed differentiation of these cells to various neural cell types. Additionally, students will learn genome engineering methods within the context of stem cell neurobiology. Also, students will be able to also appreciate the importance of the utility of stem cell-based neuronal models, including 2-D and 3-D culture systems, as drug screening and experimentation platforms. Lastly, students will have knowledge on the stem cell based therapies against select neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on their potential and limitations for curing human disease.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Explain the inner workings of the scientific process, discuss critically, and solve problems by applying appropriate statistical and computational methods; choose contemporary experimental and theoretical approaches in molecular biology and genetics. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Communicate issues in both English and Turkish with high proficiency. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Read, and critique scientific communications in molecular biology and molecular genetics literature with worldwide recognition. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Identify and explain issues in molecular biology and genetics within the context of other disciplines. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Readily apply innovative theoretical and technological challenges acting upon the need for lifelong learning. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Produce data and interpret results as an individual, as well as a team player, and lead whenever necessary. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Apply and defend the rules of scientific ethics within their careers and professions. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution