COURSE STRUCTURE
The programme is designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to understand various diseases and disorders with a view to producing drug, cell or gene-based therapies. You’ll cover the full spectrum of activity, from clinical-focused research at the cell-level, right through to biotechnology and engineering, producing the regenerative products of the future.
You’ll be exposed to real research within various medical fields and cutting-edge molecular techniques in cell and tissue engineering, including stem cell engineering, tissue engineering with nanomaterials, bioreactors, 3D bioprinting, CRISPR genetic engineering, optogenetics, and nanomedicine.
The flexible structure of the course enables you to personalise your study according to your interests, choosing optional modules from a broad range of subjects, which span the disciplines of biology, maths and engineering. This, coupled with clinical visits, specialist seminars and a choice of dissertation projects that span fundamental research to clinical translation of technologies, ensures a truly ‘bench to bedside’ approach.
Core modules
MTE-40028 Stem Cells: Types, Characteristics and Applications (15 credits, Semester 1)
The field of stem cell biology is fast-paced with state-of-the-art research being competitively conducted across the world. On this module, you’ll draw on up-to-date international research in stem cell biology to build your knowledge from basic principles of stem cell isolation and differentiation, right through to the latest therapeutic use of stem cells trending in the field. The lecture series is delivered by leading academic researchers. To complement your understanding of the knowledge learned in class, you'll be trained in advanced practical skills in a state-of-the-art stem cell laboratory, using the latest approaches in the field. Gaining a greater appreciation of the diversity of stem cells and their potential, this module provides a basic foundation for regenerative medicine.
MTE-40033 Cell and Tissue Engineering (15 credits, Semester 1)
Cell and tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving discipline which promises to change the way clinicians deliver therapies and treat disorders of various kinds, from bone tissue engineering to skin grafts. Highlighting the latest research findings in engineering various cells, tissues and organs, you’ll be introduced to current concepts and methods used to apply and evaluate stimulus to cells to construct bioartificial tissues in vitro or alter cell growth and function in vivo by implanting donor tissue or biocompatible materials.
MTE-40022 Bioreactors and Growth Environments (15 credits, Semester 2)
The global bioreactors market is predicted to grow 14% between 2022 to 2029; fuelled by increases in conditions like arthritis, cancer and diabetes and the resulting demand for effective vaccines and treatments. This module covers the design principles and functionality of bioreactors used, for example, to grow organisms for cell development and product formation. As well as demonstrations on the workings of a range of research laboratory and good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade bioreactor systems used in academia and industry, you’ll be introduced to current real-world applications of bioreactors in regenerative medicine through a series of seminar-style presentations from national and international renowned researchers and industry. As part of the module, Keele hosts a renowned workshop that includes talks on a variety of bioreactors used for therapy, research and in industry, which also attracts national and international external participants, culminating in a 'design your own bioreactor' activity.
MTE-40036 Biomaterials (15 credits, Semester 2)
Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this module provides an overview of all types of materials, natural and synthetic, used in biological environments to support, enhance, or replace damaged tissue or a biological function. It explains the fundamental aspects of biomaterials from a materials perspective, but with particular focus on their use and potential wear within a biological ‘host’. You will develop a systematic knowledge, ranging from the physical structure and chemical properties of biomaterials, to how they interact with biological tissues during implantation, for example, in the case of skin grafts, heart valves and hip replacements. This will help you learn how materials are assessed within the clinic and how material properties can be altered/engineered to produce biomaterials with enhanced abilities and properties.
MTE-40039 Experimental Research Methodology (15 credits, semester 1-2)
Developing the academic skillset required for your master’s research and future scientific career, you’ll gain a strong grounding in appropriate level literature search, academic writing, statistical evaluation and manipulation of data. From learning how to take notes in research seminars, to managing your time efficiently in written examinations and writing a comprehensive literature review, this module addresses your personal and professional development. Research seminars provide direct access to innovative research, with students introduced to trending research topics in areas of cancer, neuroscience, heart, lung, drug development, nanomaterials, medical device and biomedical engineering, by national and international speakers. The module also includes a statistics workshop and sessions to improve soft skills to support the theoretical and practical aspects of the course.
MTE-40055 Disease Modelling & Therapy for Regenerative Medicine (15 credits, Semester 1-2)
This recently added core module in the MSc Cell & Tissue Engineering portfolio draws upon the current trends in Regenerative Medicine research by applying translational cell biology for personalised medicine through disease modelling and therapy. This capstone module captures key elements from the many CTE core modules and aims to connect student learning and entrepreneurial skills for addressing demands of the Regenerative Medicine field. This is a fast-paced area of medicine in the 21st century with the global regenerative medicine market size expected to reach USD 172.15 billion by 2030, in response to the growing demand for novel regenerative therapies. Through translational learning and entrepreneurial skills which this module offers, it exposes students to creative ideas for addressing current diseases and their treatments, using relevant disease models and using cell, gene and drug therapies. The students are broadly assessed on their application of knowledge through case studies and skills acquired through a practical session on cutting-edge CRISPR gene engineering. The vocational aspect through a business plan delivers practical awareness of strategies, regulations and policies to take their innovative ideas of chosen model/therapy to market and defend their ideas in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition in front of a panel of experts from industry, academia and clinic. Entrepreneurial training is supported by attending the nationally-acclaimed YES programme (The Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) that all students will automatically enrol into, on admission to this course. For January intake (students starting from Semester 2 in January), students taking MTE-40055 will have their assessments in final semester.
MTE-40015 Project (Dissertation) (60 credits, Semester 3)
Representing the culmination of your studies, the Project provides an exciting opportunity to undertake laboratory-based research under the supervision of an expert in an agreed field of interest, based here in the Research Institute, a local hospital or within a collaborating industrial partner or clinical team. Applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course, you will design, conduct research and produce a 15,000-20,000-word dissertation. Projects cover a span of research interests related to Keele expertise in the fields of stem cells, biomaterials, heart and lung disease models, genetics, cancer biology, neuroscience and drug development/screening.
