The fundamental goal of pluripotent stem cell biology is to understand how the self-renew and differentiation capabilities of these extraordinary cells are regulated to produce specialized cells capable of differentiating into a wide range of functional cell types. This course will examine a variety of current topics within the field of pluripotent stem cell physiology. In particular, we will focus on the basic biology of embryo-derived stem cells and their potency. We will briefly cover pre- and post-implantation embryo development, focusing on cell fate determination and the cell lines derived from these developmental stages. We will discuss how these embryo-derived cell lines are isolated and tested, what factors allow for their expansion, how they can be genetically manipulated and what intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate their self-renewal and cellular differentiation characteristics. We will also discuss pluripotent stem cells derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer and cellular reprogramming technologies. An understanding of this physiology will enable students a thorough understanding of stem cell function and cell fate determination to assess whether regenerative medicine is feasible with pluripotent cells along with gaining the ability to critically evaluate the ethical issues that surround this field.
Dr. Dean H. Betts
Dr. Cheryle A. Seguin
Physiology 3120, Physiology and Pharmacology 3000e and Physiology 3140A (or equivalent).
In-person lectures and modules
41 (based on 2021 SQCT data)
Jigsaw Presentation: 10%
Stem Cell Cartoon: 5%
Layperson Article: 10%
Midterm: 35%
Final Exam: 40%
2 hours/week lectures
No textbook
Expected Grade Breakdown
A (7/8)
B (1/8)
Mean Course as Learning Experience Out of 7 (± SD)
6.5 ± 0.53
Response Rate
19% of students (8/41)