Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

As well as drawing on leading-edge research carried out in the School, the Stem Cells module is linked to a spin-out company, Reinnervate Ltd., which is located in the nearby NETPark at Sedgefield, Co. Durham. The module, which is largely self-contained, commences with a series of lectures on techniques for culturing cells and tissues from higher animals. It then discusses the concept of stem cells, and the different types of stem cell that can be isolated, and their capacities for regeneration. A series of case studies explores how nerve cells originate, and how stem cells can be manipulated into forming nerve cells in vitro. Finally, the topic of tissue engineering considers how three-dimensional structures can be built up, which can form new organs, or novel biomaterials. The lectures are supplemented by a series of practical workshops.