The isolation of embryonic stem cells in 1998 promised huge advances in regenerative medicine. Since then, stem cell biology has created a lot of “buzz” in the public imagination and has been the intense focus of federally and privately funded research. Research institutes have made strides toward understanding how stem cells can form every cell in the human body, and how these cells can be used in disease treatment. Unregulated stem cell clinics have also emerged, promising miracle cures. In this course, students will analyze historical and current scientific literature that explores adult, embryonic, and induced pluripotent stem cells; critique the literature behind promising investigative treatments for disease and analyze the claims made by stem cell clinics; and examine political and bioethical issues relating to stem cells. In the lab, students will use an invertebrate model organism to independently examine the role of specific genes in full-body regeneration and stem cell self-renewal.

This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - BISC 339L.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Two 200-level BISC courses, one of which must be BISC 216, BIOC 219/BISC 219, or BIOC 220/BISC 220, or permission of instructor. Not open to First-Year students.

Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Ann E. Maurer '51 Speaking Intensive Course.