Course Syllabus

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Draft Regenerative Medicine: Cell Therapies, Cell-Free Innovations, and Emerging Technologies
Semester & Location:

Spring 2027 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Core Course - 3 credits
Study Tours:

Lund and Milan and Modena 
Major Disciplines:

Biology, Biomedicine / Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science 

Prerequisite(s):

One year of biology  and one year of chemistry at university level
Faculty Members:

 TBD
Program Contact:

Science and Health Department: shsupport@dis.dk
Program Director:

Susana Dietrich
Time & Place:

TBA

 

This is a draft syllabus - the final version will be updated before semester start

Course Description

This course is designed to provide you with the opportunity to explore some of the most innovative topics in regenerative medicine, including cell therapy, cell-free therapies, and emerging technologies. You will gain insight into how research in these areas is conducted and how scientific discoveries translate into clinical practice. The course will highlight the latest advancements in the use of various cell types for therapy, the development of cell-free products, and the engineering and bioprinting technologies. 

Throughout the course, you will have the chance to explore how laboratory research moves toward real-world applications, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, ethical considerations, and regulatory frameworks. By engaging with current research and case studies, you will broaden your understanding of the regenerative medicine field, a rapidly evolving field that incorporates innovative approaches. You will also be encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions to develop further your understanding of how classroom theories are applied in professional and clinical contexts. 

The course is supplemented with relevant discussions and activities to help you contextualize your studies within the broader landscape of biomedical innovation. 

 

 

Learning Objectives

  • Identify key terminology, cell types, and core principles underlying regenerative medicine and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs)
  • Describe how cell‑based, immune‑cell, organoid, and cell‑free therapies function, including basic immunological and tissue‑engineering principles
  • Outline major ethical issues, donor‑source considerations, patient‑safety concerns, and regulatory frameworks governing regenerative therapies
  • Examine data from regenerative‑medicine studies to assess validity, reliability, and implications for therapeutic development
  • Propose innovative therapeutic approaches using stem cells, immune cells, engineered tissues, or cell‑free products to address unmet clinical needs
  • Map how discoveries in regenerative medicine progress from laboratory research to clinical application, including preclinical validation, manufacturing considerations, and clinical trial design
  • Be able to present complex regenerative‑medicine topics clearly to scientific, regulatory, and patient‑facing audiences, demonstrating an understanding of both technical and societal implications
  • Evaluate the potential and limitations of bioprinting, organoid systems, controlled‑release drug delivery, and AI‑driven translational tools in advancing regenerative therapies

 

Instructor

TBA

 

 

 

 

Approach to teaching

This course combines lectures, class discussions, solution sessions (individual and group), case studies, critical analysis of research, group presentations, field studies and a group project with a final presentation. 

 

Tentative topics to be covered

  • Introduction to Regenerative Medicine and ATMP
  • Precision / Personalized Medicine and Disease Modelling
  • Immunology and Immunogenicity for Regenerative Therapies
  • Ethics and Regulatory Framework for Cell and Cell‑Free Therapies
  • Cell Therapies: Taxonomy, Donor Types, and Regulatory Classes
  • Stem‑Cell Therapies: ESC, iPSC, Adult, and Progenitor Cells
  • Immune‑Cell Therapies: CAR‑T, TIL, NK, and Macrophages
  • Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and Tissue‑Engineered / Organoid Therapies
  • Tissue Engineering Applications and Future Directions
  • Drug Delivery and Controlled Release Systems in Regenerative Therapies
  • Cell‑Free Therapies I: EVs, Exosomes, Conditioned Media, PRP, and ACS – Concepts
  • Cell‑Free Therapies II: Clinical and Preclinical Applications
  • AI, Data Resources, and Translational Strategy in Cell and Cell‑Free Therapies

 

Readings

Chapters from relevant books including:

  • Handbook of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell-based Approach
    Edited by Khawaja Husnain Haider.
    CRC Press, 1st edition, 2025.

  • Handbook of Regenerative Medicine, Cell-Free Therapy Approach
    Edited by Khawaja Husnain Haider.
    CRC Press, 1st edition, 2025.

In addition to the textbooks listed above, the course will be supplemented with selected scientific publications, review articles, and other resources provided on Canvas throughout the semester. These materials will reflect current developments, emerging technologies, and contemporary challenges in the field of Regenerative Medicine.

Field Studies

There will be two field studies during the semester. The field studies are an integral part of the course where we get a chance to see how theory presented in the classroom translates into practice in the field. Details of the field studies will be provided at a later date.

DIS Accommodations Statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support academicsupport@dis.dk

 

Expectations of the Students

The course will be a mix of interactive lectures, class discussions, group work, student presentations, and feedback sessions. While the faculty is responsible for the overall structure of the class, all of us will contribute to the production of knowledge. All students are expected and encouraged to engage actively in class sessions.

 

Evaluation and Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.
The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

Assignment

Percent
Attendance and participation

15%

Small presentation in the classroom

10%

Case study assignment

15%

Formative quizes

10%

Test(s)

15%

Semester project

20%

Study tour assignment

15%

 

Policies

Attendance

You are expected to attend all DIS classes and activities when scheduled, and I will monitor attendance. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Excused absences include only serious illness and participation in religious holidays.

If you miss multiple classes, the Director of Academic Support, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well. In the case of multiple absences, you will need to provide a doctor’s note.

Missing class: You must always notify your instructor about an absence a reasonable time in advance. Each failure to notify your faculty of an absence in advance will result in a deduction of 2 points off your final participation grade.

 

Class room etiquette

A good learning environment requires that everyone is present, prepared, and participating. Out of respect for both faculty and fellow students, we expect you to be on time and to participate in the full duration of the class.

Laptops and phones in class: Use of phones and computers are not allowed during class, unless prompted by the professor. Usage of laptops or phones not related to the class is always unacceptable, and will reduce your participation grade significantly.

Make-up classes: There are a few open slots for make-up classes in the syllabus in case of unexpected cancelled classes. Please note that there may be organized mandatory classes during these time slots.

 

Assignments

Assignments and tests are submitted via Canvas. Submissions exceeding the word limit will be penalized by a third of a grade per additional page or part thereof (A- becomes B+, B becomes B- etc.).

Late assignments will be accepted within reason, if you notify your faculty in advance. However, your grade will be reduced by 2 thirds of a grade for each day or part thereof that it is late (A- becomes B, B becomes C+ etc.).

 

Academic Regulations

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

 

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due