Course Description

[This is a certified Communication-intensive (CI) Course which meets all of the requirements endorsed by HKU’s Senate, including (i) the teaching assessment of oral and visual communication ‘literacies’; and (ii) at least 40% of the course grade assigned to communication-rich assessment tasks.]

Recent discoveries and advances in biomedical sciences have transformed our life and health care. The potential of stem cells to replace ‘old cells with new’ offers great hope for the treatment of many diseases that previously not possible. Yet, uncertainties remain whether these cells will live up to our expectations. Bioethicists, scientists and regulators have raised concerns that the pressure to find cures could, and in some instances, obscured our judgment and moral compass leading to unethical outcomes.

This course will guide you through the scientific discoveries, allowing you to appreciate how stem cells can be a therapeutic tool, both now and future. We will explore the relevant moral issues and bioethical framework for evaluating the benefits and dilemmas of stem cell-based regenerative medicine.  Clear guidelines are needed for stem cell research. We will assess and analyze regional and global policies and regulations, providing you a means to debate from both the scientific and ethical perspectives for effective policy making.

The relevant topics will be addressed through scientific, literary and popular media in a combination of lectures, laboratory classes, tutorials and case studies. There will be many opportunities for interactive group work and sharing of ideas during the classes.

[There will be two compulsory practical sessions held on Saturdays (dates to be confirmed). Each session contributes to 10% (total 20%) of the overall course assessment.]

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Express the implications of stem cell technologies on individuals, families, societies and humankind through oral and visual formats.
2. State the principles of biomedical ethics and apply ethical and moral understanding to evaluate the benefits and dilemmas of stem cell technologies.
3. Analyze and evaluate case scenarios for informed decision making and recommend strategies for stem cell research policy making.
4. Explain the positions taken by different individuals, organizations and cultures with respect to stem cell technologies.
5. Define the basic characteristics of different types of stem cells and discuss their applications in medicine.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

First semester (Wed)