Activity 4: Stem Cell Technologies Applied to Public Health

This activity asks students to consider applications of stem cell research that might treat or prevent diseases. Through readings, students learn the basic biology of a particular disease, review current treatments, describe potential cell-based therapies, and consider the ethical and social implications of future clinical trials. They are then asked to develop a term paper which addresses a specific stem cell application and its potential to improve human health. The assignment diverges from the traditional science paper in that it requires students to consider the issues unique to stem cell therapeutics. Specifically, students are asked to critically review current protocols and risks involved in oocyte, embryo, and stem cell procurement and transplantation, and to consider the ethical ramifications of proposed guidelines and legislation.

To aid students in this lengthy research project, a partial bibliography containing references to recent reviews is provided along with a general guide to writing the paper. Students are expected to expand this bibliography to address a particular topic. Since stem cell therapeutics often involve recombinant DNA technologies and a basic understanding of immunology, students should have some background in these areas.

By the completion of this activity students should be able to:

• Identify potential treatments based on stem cell technologies.
• Comprehend the biology of a particular disease
• Understand the limitations of current treatments and cell-based technologies.
• Appreciate the ethical concerns related to human subjects based research.
• Evaluate the way in which national and international regulations influence the development of, and access to, therapeutic stem cell technologies.
• Communicate their understanding of the material in a review article format.
• Develop a comprehensive bibliography on this subject.

This Activity contains one Assignment, a set of Teaching Notes.

Assignment: Stem Cell Technologies Applied to Public Health
Teaching Notes

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