Module Code - Title:
BY4027
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CURRENT TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module will present State-of-the-art concepts to students in biotechnology and molecular medicine. The purpose of the module is to integrate the students learning with the cutting edge of these advanced fields. The course will use extensive reading of primary literature and reviews to embed the knowledge of techniques, capabilities and challenges in the area.
Syllabus:
Syllabus:
The syllabus will include
1. Next generation sequencing, genetic screening and their use in modern medicine
2. CRISPR technology and its potential in modern medicine
3. Cell on a chip technology and its potential in modern medicine
4. Genetic basis of disease and gene therapy
5. Stem cells and their medical uses
6. Tissue regeneration and repair (e.g. Central Nervous System, limbs)
7. Wound healing
8. Bioengineering
9. Extracellular matrix and scaffolds
10. 3D bioprinting for tissue regeneration
11. Ethical considerations in modern medicine
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Students will acquire a detailed understanding of biotechnological advances that relate to human health, the biology of stem cells and their uses, and aspects of regenerative medicine. Reading of primary literature will develop skills in critical thinking and enable students to evaluate current research experimental strategies and to interrogate data from these studies.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught by a combination of lectures, tutorials and directed reading.
The module will incorporate a significant component of reading involving current primary literature, in this context research findings will be incorporated into the learning experience.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
(2026)
This module will utilize current and recent publications as the main basis of acquisition of new knowledge to support lecture content.
This will be provided from peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Biotechnology, Nature Medicine, Science, Nature, Cell series, Nature Reviews series, Trends in Molecular Medicine.
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Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSEQSCUFA - EQUINE SCIENCE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
james.brown@ul.ie