COURSE CURRICULUM

The taught stage of the MSc Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine provides a structured 120-credit foundation designed to develop both core biological understanding and advanced practical laboratory skills required for modern regenerative medicine research. Students begin with Essential Laboratory Skills and Competency Assessment, a practical module that ensures safe and effective laboratory practice by training students in the selection of appropriate methods, equipment use, adherence to standard operating procedures and good laboratory practice, while also developing competence in data analysis and interpretation; it also emphasises professional responsibility in potentially hazardous laboratory environments through assessed competencies in knowledge, skills and attitudes. Professional Development and Research Communication Skills supports career readiness by introducing employment pathways in biosciences and regenerative medicine, alongside CV writing, interview preparation and application strategies, with input from the Aston University Careers Service to enhance employability and career planning. Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology provides essential grounding in cellular structure, function and molecular mechanisms, ensuring all students reach a consistent academic baseline in biological science. Applied Biotechnology: Proteins and Products focuses on industrial and therapeutic biotechnology processes, including recombinant protein expression and purification using bacterial, yeast, insect and mammalian cell systems, with relevance to biopharmaceutical production. Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Differentiation explores the biological principles governing stem cell behaviour and how cells specialise into different tissue types, forming the basis of regenerative medicine. Tissue Regeneration examines how damaged tissues and organs can be repaired or replaced using biological and engineered approaches, while Ageing and Regenerative Medicine explores how regenerative strategies can address age-related degeneration and extend healthy lifespan. Delivered by Aston University, the programme integrates theoretical biology with applied biotechnology and laboratory training, preparing students for advanced research and professional roles in regenerative medicine, biomedical science and therapeutic innovation.