The Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Medicine
The McGill Regenerative Medicine (MRM) Network has partnered with the Department of Experimental Medicine to develop a Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Medicine. Our graduate certificate aims to prepare trainees for the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. It will help them explore the combination of stem cell-based model systems for the design of more effective drug screens and therapeutic approaches to disease that can capture both disease progression and therapeutic success leading to clinical translation. Our program involves a 15-credit plan of study focusing on the biology of stem cells, their uses in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, the practicalities of generating them, their ethical usage and clinical translation. Our program will benefit trainees across many biomedical departments and help forge links between different sites and platforms.
Two new courses were specifically designed for the Graduate Certificate program:
- EXMD 501 Clinical Applications of Regenerative Medicine
- EXMD 505 Directed Readings in Regenerative Medicine
Required Courses (9 credits):
- FMED 525 Foundations of Translational Science (3 credits)
An overview of multidisciplinary research that bridges significant gaps between basic, clinical medicine and public policy that enables a translation of knowledge to practice. Students from different disciplines learn to share a language over societal and medical needs and how to meet them.
- HGEN 675 Stem Cell Biology (3 credits)
Introduction to the field of stem cell research. Definition of stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells and reprogramming. Adult stem cells, niche and asymmetric division are discussed. The course also focuses on clinical applications of stem cells, cancer stem cells as well as ethical issues surrounding stem cells in research and clinical treatment.
- PHAR 508 Drug Discovery and Development (3 credits)
The design of biologically-relevant drug screens for molecular targets in a cell, tissue, and in vivo setting. Explore the use of stem cells and tissue-based disease models for the understanding of disease and for drug discovery. We situate modern pharmacology into broader medical and societal issues such as personalized medicine and the ethics associated with research.
Complementary Courses (6 credits):
- CHEE 512 Stem Cell Bioprocess Engineering (3 credits)
Introduction to stem cell biology; Cell growth models applicable to stem cells and their progeny; Upstream processing (cell culture systems, bioreactors), downstream processing (cell separation, purification) and quality management (current good manufacturing practice, regulations) applied to therapeutic cells.
Course participants will develop a thorough knowledge on the fundamental process and principles of stem cell translational research. This course will provide advance training in the development of clinical application of new technologies and new findings through the required rigorous clinical standard procedures in the different field of regenerative medicine.
This reading course gives students space to explore the literature pertaining to a proposed field of their research involving Stem Cell Biology and/or Clinical Translation. Course requirements will include written assignments based on primary research and analytical reasoning.
- HGEN 660 Genetics and Bioethics (3 credits)
This course will deal with ethical issues in the gathering, dissemination, and use of genetic information for decisions concerning reproduction, health care, and research.
WHO SHOULD ENGAGE IN OUR PROGRAM?
If you want to follow up your undergraduate or graduate training in the clinical translation of stem cell biology into clinical and commercial applications, this program is for you.
ELIGIBILITY
As the Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Medicine is a program ran by the Division of Experimental Medicine, students must apply to the Certificate program throught that department.
Applicants must hold a B.Sc. degree. The Division requires a cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) of not less than 3.2 out of a possible maximum of 4.0.
Applicants must have completed with success the following courses: BIOL 200 (Molecular Biology), BIOL 202 (Basic Genetics), CHEM 212 (Introduction to Organic Chemistry), their equivalent, or permission of the coordinators.
Please note that the Graduate Certificate is considered a part-time program; therefore, international students cannot apply to this program.
HOW TO APPLY
All applicants must complete an online application form on uApply, the Graduate Admissions System.
All applications are reviewed by the Department of Experimental Medicine Admission Committee and the Certificate’s coordinator, Dr. Terry Hebert. Once accepted, students will receive information on how and when to register from the Experimental Medicine administrator office. Students can register for their required and optional courses on Minerva. To maintain their active student status, they must register for at least one course each term until the time of graduation.
For more information on the Graduate Certificate in Regenerative Medicine, please visit the Department of Experimental Medicine Website.