This course is part of a partnership with the Semester in Biological Discovery (SBD) Program of Marine Biological Laboratories (MBL). The SBD program is designed for students interested in biology or biology-adjacent fields and have completed introductory level courses in biology and chemistry. Students accepted to this program will spend the spring semester at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA. Please see this link for more information on the SBD program: https://www.mbl.edu/education/undergraduate-programs/semester-biological-discovery. Prior to submitting your application to MBL’s Semester in Biological Discovery program, you must meet with the Chair of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics department to discuss your interest and get permission to apply to this program. Since applications to the MBL SBD program are due in the fall semester, you must meet with the Chair in the preceding spring semester or by the first week in the fall semester. Once you have received approval from the Chair you must submit an application to MBL’s Semester in Biological Discovery program. This course will focus on contemporary stem cell biology and regeneration with emphasis on molecular mechanisms and applications. Topics include embryonic stem (ES) cells, tissue-specific stem cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and their potential uses in human disease and natural regeneration in various animal species. The course will cover the history of stem cell discoveries through the latest advances, including genome-wide profiling, targeted gene editing, and other techniques used in stem cell research and manipulation. A portion of the course will consist of modules where specific stem cell types will be discussed together with relevant diseases they could impact (i.e. stem cells and neurodegeneration). Other topics include: cellular reprogramming, stem cell/tissue engineering, stem cells in invertebrate that naturally regenerate, vertebrate regeneration. This course is one of three electives – students can select between Stem Cells and Regeneration, Waves, Optics and Modern Physics or Fundamentals of Synapses. This course satisfies the Intermediate Level Course requirements for the Interdisciplinary Science Major. Permission required to register for this course.