Studying at York
Ageing & Regenerative Medicine - BIO00079H
Module summary
This module will cover the basic mechanisms underlying the ageing process and how age-related degenerative diseases emerge. A fundamental understanding of these processes has helped to stimulate the field of Regenerative Medicine; new therapies based on the use of molecules, cells and engineered tissues to effect repair and regeneration of old and worn out tissues.
The module will be assessed by a research proposal, based on the taught content and extended reading, enabling students to pursue the areas of most interest to them.
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
The aims are to acquire an advanced understanding of the mechanisms underpinning cell specialisation and tissue function; to examine how dysregulation of these mechanisms as a result of ageing and environment can result in degenerative disease; to appreciate the systems level cooperation of different cellular pathways/processes for determining the outcomes of cell specialisation and pathologies; to consider how applications of molecular, cell and tissue engineering research can provide new strategies for restoration of health through regenerative medicine. This module aims to equip students with the skills to undertake a research career or other analytical career path. Key elements of this are the ability to identify new areas of research and produce successful research proposals, skills that are developed and assessed in this module.
Module learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
Explain the mechanisms underlying cellular and organismal ageing
Interpret the impact of ageing on the development of degenerative disease
Identify and explain the clinical need for regenerative medicine-based therapies and the challenges that must be overcome
Evaluate with examples how cell function can be regulated by exogenous factors and cell engineering techniques
Comprehend and criticise key publications related to the field
Formulate a research proposal to address a problem in ageing and regenerative medicine
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Marks for all summative assessments will be made available to you and your supervisor via e:vision. Feedback will be either individual or cohort-level, depending on the assessment format. You should take the opportunity to discuss your marks and feedback with your supervisor.
For exam-style summative assessment, model answers will be provided for all questions along with cohort-level feedback indicating how students answered questions in general. Marks achieved per question will be added to your script.
For coursework assessments (eg. reports or essays) you will receive individual feedback on your work. This will usually be in the form of a feedback sheet that will include suggestions for further improvement.
During the teaching of the module you will receive formative feedback that may be at a whole class or individual level. Such feedback may include: model answers and discussion of workshop questions, summaries of performance in practicals, VLE-based quizzes, individual spoken comments during workshops, individual written comments on formative work.
Indicative reading
These are available through the VLE module site.