GENETICS AND PHYSIOLOGY OF ADULT STEM CELLS
Exposure to cutting-edge genetic models for the study of adult tissue stem cells in living organisms. Understand the critical roles adult tissue stem cells play in maintaining tissue integrity and function and the ways in which these cells are regulated by genetic, metabolic, and physiological factors. Covers some of the major stem cell systems such as: germline stem cells, intestinal stem cells, epidermal and hair follicle stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and muscle stem cells in fruit flies and/or vertebrates. Focus on genetic approaches to investigating the external, physiological, and metabolic control stem cell function and behavior in the context of whole living organisms.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: GENETICS 466 , 468 , BIOCORE 383 , or graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness Breadth - Biological Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Learning Outcomes: 1. List key terms used in stem cell biology to explain how stem cells function. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Describe fundamental concepts and processes in stem cell biology, including lineage tracing. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Clarify the process of asking and pursuing scientific questions. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Explain and interpret genetic approaches to the study of stem cells in vivo. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Analyze and evaluate research findings presented in research literature. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Critically analyze research literature by interpreting major findings, evaluating how experiments advance disciplinary knowledge, and articulating limitations or future research questions. Audience: Graduate 7. Apply concepts, experimental approaches, and logical thinking to new questions. Audience: Undergraduate 8. Apply advanced conceptual and analytical skills to integrate experimental evidence, explain its significance within the broader field, and propose logical extensions such as new research questions or critiques of major conclusions. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. List key terms used in stem cell biology to explain how stem cells function. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Describe fundamental concepts and processes in stem cell biology, including lineage tracing. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Clarify the process of asking and pursuing scientific questions. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Explain and interpret genetic approaches to the study of stem cells in vivo. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Analyze and evaluate research findings presented in research literature. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Critically analyze research literature by interpreting major findings, evaluating how experiments advance disciplinary knowledge, and articulating limitations or future research questions. Audience: Graduate 7. Apply concepts, experimental approaches, and logical thinking to new questions. Audience: Undergraduate 8. Apply advanced conceptual and analytical skills to integrate experimental evidence, explain its significance within the broader field, and propose logical extensions such as new research questions or critiques of major conclusions. Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027