About this course: What promise do stem cells hold for the treatment of medical conditions? In this five-part online course you will explore the history and basic biology of stem cells, learn about new research techniques, and find out how stem cells could lead to cures for diseases and to individualized medicine. You will hear from Museum scientists, medical researchers at the frontiers of the field, and a panel of bioethics experts who will address the ethical implications of stem cell research and therapy. Learn what has already been accomplished, what challenges remain, and what medical breakthroughs may lie ahead.
Created by: 美国自然历史博物馆
Taught by: Dr. Zehra Dincer, Course Instructor
| Level | Intermediate |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Introduction to Stem Cells
Welcome to The Science of Stem Cells! You will begin with a basic overview of stem cells--what they are, the history of stem cell research, and the potential for stem cell therapies. You will also learn from AMNH biologist Julia Zichello that stem cells are found throughout the tree of life.
6 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Welcome to The Science of Stem Cells
- Reading: Syllabus
- Video: Introduction to the Course
- Reading: Related Resources
- Practice Quiz: Module One: What do you know?
- Video: How Stem Cells Differentiate
- Video: History of Stem Cells
- Video: Why are Stem Cells Important?
- Video: Stem Cells in Other Organisms
- Reading: Stem Cell Glossary
Graded: Module One: What have you learned?
WEEK 2
How Do Stem Cells Work?
This week, New York University’s Dr. Esteban Mazzoni will discuss how scientists can coax stem cells to differentiate into particular cell types. Dr. Mazzoni will also talk about new stem cell-assisted technologies such as mitochondrial replacement therapy and generating chimeras for organ transplantation. You will also get some background information on the science and ethics of cloning.
3 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Practice Quiz: Module Two: What do you know?
- Video: Introduction to Module Two
- Video: Cell differentiation, Therapeutic Cloning & Chimeras: Part One
- Video: Cell differentiation, Therapeutic Cloning & Chimeras: Part Two
- Reading: Cloning and Genetic Engineering: How and Why?
Graded: Module Two: What have you learned?
WEEK 3
Using Stem Cells to Study Disease
We have covered the process by which scientists can differentiate cells in a culture dish. Now you will look at how scientists can use these cell to model diseases in a culture dish. Dr. Andrew Sproul from Columbia University explains how cultured cells can be used to understand the cause of diseases and to look for drugs that will potentially cure them. His research is on Alzheimer’s disease. You will also explore how how stem cells have the potential to help with the study of diabetes.
3 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Practice Quiz: Module Three: What do you know?
- Video: Introduction to Module Three
- Video: Reprogramming and Genome Editing for Disease Modeling
- Video: Stem Cells: Developing New Cures
- Reading: Diabetes in a Dish: Using Stem Cells to Study Disease
Graded: Module Three: What have you learned?
WEEK 4
Using Stem Cells to Treat Disease
In addition to the great potential of stem cells to be used in the study of disease, stem cells can also be used to actually treat disease. Neural stem cell pioneer Dr. Sally Temple will explain the potential for using stem cells in our own bodies (adult stem cells) to treat age-related macular degeneration, an increasingly common and debilitating disease. Dr. Temple will also give you some tools for evaluating potential stem cell treatments.
3 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Practice Quiz: Module Four: What do you know?
- Video: Introduction to Module Four
- Video: Stem Cells in the Adult Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Their Therapeutic Potential
- Video: Myths About Adult (Somatic) Stem Cells
- Reading: Developmental Neuroscientist Dr. Sally Temple Wants to Help Prevent Blindness—and Looks to the Future
Graded: Module Four: What have you learned?
WEEK 5
The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy
To complete the course, a panel of bioethics experts will discuss some of the controversies surrounding human embryonic stem cells and the legal, policy, and ethical challenges associated with the use of stem cells in basic and clinical research. You will have an opportunity to discuss and ask questions about the future of reproductive technology and stem cell research.
3 videos, 1 practice quiz
- Practice Quiz: Module Five: What do you know?
- Video: Introduction to The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Conclusion
- Video: The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy: Part One
- Video: The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy: Part Two
Graded: Module Five: What have you learned?
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美国自然历史博物馆
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
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