Short Course: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
About
Stem cells have the ability to self-renew and change itself into any cell of an organism. Stem cells can help us understand how diseases occur. They can also be used for drug screening and regeneration of tissues and organs in animals. Stem-cell therapies are emerging as exciting new approaches for the treatment and management of human disease.
This module will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of current developments in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Students will study stem cell biology and stem cell research applications in medicine. They will also learn about the ethical and moral considerations of stem cell research and treatment.
Stem cell manipulation has been highlighted as an important and emerging biotechnology that will help shape the UK economy in 2040 and beyond. If you are interested in biotechnology and biology in medical research, then this is the course for you.
You will learn:
- Stem cell biology. Stem cell characteristics and sources.
- Bioartificial tissue and natural or biomimetic scaffolds for transplantation. Clinical applications of stem cells in haematology, eye disease and cardiovascular regeneration.
- Stem cell research and consideration of ethical and moral considerations. UK regulations and legislation for good practice when working with stem cells and human tissue.
Term dates
Start Date: Thursday 29 January 2026
This course requires on-campus attendance, at our Coleraine campus, during Semester 2 in 2026.
*Please note, dates and timetabling may be subject to change.
Attendance
This course is delivered over a 6 week period, with students required to attend 3 hrs per week.
Location
This course is taught on the Coleraine campus.
Teaching and Assessment
This module is delivered by hybrid learning.
Students will learn through on-campus lectures and independent study.
Workshops will be on-campus and on-line and used for peer-to-peer learning exercises to develop and re-enforce lecture content.
An online learning environment will enable interactions between staff and students and provide access to learning materials and assessments.
The assessments consists of a written assignment and an open book online class test.
Academic Profile
Prof Diane Lees-Murdock, stem cell researcher and lecturer, current member of the UK Stem Cell Network.
Prof Declan McKenna, haematology and stem cell researcher and lecturer.
Dr Sarah Atkinson, ophthalmology researcher and lecturer, current member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Further Information
Module
This is a 15 credit module short course - see the about section for details of content.
Entry requirements
Second class honours degree or better in Biology/ Biomedical Sciences/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Microbiology from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or an equivalent standard (minimum 50%).
Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications cannot be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time across all institutions who offer courses as part of SkillUp. You will only be permitted to study one course at Ulster in each academic year or a maximum of two microcredentials up to 45 credits per semester.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Life & Health Sciences from the drop down box. Then select Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine from the next drop down box.
