De elektronische studiegids voor het academiejaar 2025 - 2026 is onder voorbehoud.





Regenerative medicine (3978)

  
Coordinating lecturer :Prof. dr. Annelies BRONCKAERS 
  
Co-lecturer :Prof. dr. Esther WOLFS 
  
Member of the teaching team :Prof. dr. Anitha ETHIRAJAN 
 dr. Florian HERMANS 
 Prof. dr. Ivo LAMBRICHTS 
 dr. Karen LIBBERECHT 
 De heer Koen KUIPERS 
 Mevrouw Lotte ALDERS 
 Prof. dr. Louis PITET 
 dr. Paula PINCELA LINS 


Language of instruction : English


Credits: 4,0
  
Period: quarter 4 (4sp)
  
2nd Chance Exam1: Yes
  
Final grade2: Numerical
 
Exam contract: not possible


 
Sequentiality
 
   No sequentiality

Content

Regenerative medicine is an new emerging, interdisciplinary field that applies engineering and life science principles to promote tissue regeneration, aiming to restore and/or replace diseased and injured tissues and whole organs. The promising field of regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field and encompasses the use of (bio-)materials and de novo generated cells, as well as various combinations thereof. To achieve the ultimate goal of tissue regeneration, numerous innovative and advanced technologies are applied such as such as organ-on-chip, organoid technologies and 3D bio-printing. There is also increasing industrial interest in this field, with in Belgium more than 15 companies focussing on one or more aspects in regenerative medicine.

The course consists of three different parts:

1) ENDOGENOUS REGENERATION PROCESSES

When injured or invaded by disease, our bodies have the innate response to heal and defend. In this part, we discuss how it is possible to harness the power of the body to heal and to accelerate tissue regeneration in a clinically relevant way.

2) STEM CELL THERAPY AND VALORISATION

This part encompasses the main (endogenous) stem cell types, their mode of action, preclinical success and their clinical application potential. In addition, we aim to provide insight in all steps needed for successful valorisation of stem cell-based regenerative approaches. We will also study the secretomes of the stem cells and their actions on other cell types. In addition, we dive into the intriguing world of organoids and their tremendous application potential.

3) INNOVATIVE TISSUE ENGINEERING APPROACHES

Here we discuss the structure of different biomaterials, the importance of the cell-material interface and innovative techniques such as organ-on-a-chip, bioreactors and 3D printing.

After following this course, the student:

  • Understands the molecular processes of endogenous wound healing/tissue regeneration in adults/fetus/amphibians, and how this can help us developing regenerative therapies.
  • Defines different endogenous and artificial stem cell types (i.e. iPSC), their properties and their application potentials
  • Understands the successes and failures of current (stem) cell regenerative approaches.
  • Understands the different applications of organoid technology for studying development, homeostasis, tissue repair and diseases.
  • Has an insight in the valorisation/quality control processes required put stem cell-based regenerative approaches on the market
  • Describes the structure and degradation of different biomaterials; metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites thereof.
  • Describes the main concepts and functions of bioreactors and organ-on-a-chip.
  • Describes the importance of cell-material interface for tissue engineering by understanding the importance of material properties to modulate biological processes of adhesion and signalling.
  • Interprets preclinical research results in the field of regenerative medicine.
  • Makes supported decisions/ balanced choices when designing a regenerative medicine experiment.
  • Clearly present and discuss scientific research in the field of regenerative medicine.



Organisational and teaching methods
Organisational methods  
Collective feedback moment  
Lecture  
Self-study assignment  
Small group session  
Teaching methods  
Group work  
Paper  
Presentation  


Evaluation

Period 4    Credits 4,00

Evaluation method
Written evaluaton during teaching periode10 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearTolerance rules: The combination of the 2 presentations and the concept paper results in a weighted final grade. This final grade has to be at least 10/20.
Paper
Oral evaluation during teaching period40 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearTolerance rules: The combination of the 2 presentations and the concept paper results in a weighted final grade. This final grade has to be at least 10/20.
Presentation
Written exam10 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearTolerance rules: The combination of oral and written exam results in a weighted final grade. This final grade has to be at least 10/20
Multiple-choice questions
Oral exam40 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic year
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearTolerance rules: The combination of oral and written exam results in a weighted final grade. This final grade has to be at least 10/20.
Open questions
Evaluation conditions (participation and/or pass)
Conditions Presence at the two presentations is obligatory. Tolerance rules: The combination of the presentations and the concept paper (so the 3 assignments) results in a weighted final grade on /20. If a student obtains at least a 8/20 or a 9/20 on this weighted final mark, this can be only compansated if the student obtains at least 10/20 on the weighted result of the oral + written exam. If the exam is less than 8/20 the student also fails.
Consequences Students who are unauthorized absent at one or two presentations, have to do an additional assignment. Students who do not submit the paper before the deadline, have to write a new paper on a different subject in the second exam period.
Additional information

If more than 45 students enroll in this course, the exam will be entirely in written form.


Second examination period

Evaluation second examination opportunity different from first examination opprt
No
Explanation (English)There is a possibility to redo the oral exam in the second examination period.
 

Compulsory course material
 

Review articles and other study material will be available on blackboard.



Learning outcomes
Master of Biomedical Sciences
  •  EC 
  • 1. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences has a thorough knowledge of the molecular and cellular processes of the healthy and diseased organism and has insight in different methods for prevention, diagnosis and therapy of diseases.

  •  EC 
  • 10. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences  knows the potential for valorization of biomedical research and can translate own research into translational research. 

  •  EC 
  • 12. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences has an attitude for lifelong learning and for constantly adjusting one's own professional thinking and acting.

  •  EC 
  • 2. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences can independently and critically perform a literature search.

  •  EC 
  • 4. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences has knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques within biomedical research and is able to apply these techniques, taking into account the applicable quality standards.

  •  EC 
  • 5. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences can independently process and statistically analyze research results, and formulate conclusions. 

  •  EC 
  • 6. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences  can report scientific findings in writing and orally to both experts and a wide audience in a structured way.

  •  EC 
  • 7. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences takes a critical attitude towards one's own research and that of others.   

  •  EC 
  • 8. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences can actively participate in an international research environment.  

  •  EC 
  • 9. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences can set up, conduct and report biomedical research in an ethical manner and with integrity, taking into account current regulations.  

  •  EC 
  • BEN 3. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences specialisation Bioelectronics and Nanotechnology has a comprehensive understanding of, and the ability to determine the (bio)chemical and physical characteristics of various materials and their applications in life sciences.

  •  EC 
  • MHD 1. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences specialisation Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease has in depth insights in the etiology and the underlying molecular pathways of major disease areas (e.g. cardiovascular sciences, immunology and infection, neurosciences,...)

  •  EC 
  • MHD 2. A graduate of the Master of Biomedical Sciences specialisation Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease is able to develop new strategies for diagnosis and therapy. 

 

Master of Teaching in Health Sciences
  •  EC 
  • 5.1 The educational master is a domain expert HEALTH SCIENCES: the EM has an understanding of the construction and functioning of the human body in disease and health (at the molecular, cellular, organ and organism level).

  •  EC 
  • 5.4  The educational master is a domain expert HEALTH SCIENCES: the EM can independently and critically conduct literature research, formulate and operationalise a research question (-hypothesis), collect research data, process the obtained research results, interpret and report orally and in writing.

 

  EC = learning outcomes      DC = partial outcomes      BC = evaluation criteria  
Offered inTolerance3
1st year Master of Biomedical Sciences - Bioelectronics and Nanotechnology J
1st year Master of Biomedical Sciences - Environmental Health Sciences J
1st year Master of Biomedical Sciences - Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease J
first year Master of Biomedical Sciences - Clinical Biomedical Sciences J
Master of Teaching in Health Sciences keuzetraject BMW/GEN met vakdidactiek biologie J
Master of Teaching in Health Sciences keuzetraject BMW/GEN met vakdidactiek chemie J



1   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.12.2, section 2.
2   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.15.1, section 3.
3   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.16.9, section 2.