Curriculum

The SJSU SCILL program is a two-year program leading to an MS graduate degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Stem Cell Biology. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a broad-based understanding of stem cell biology through classroom instruction, seminars, and in-depth laboratory skills. 

MS in Biological Sciences, Concentration in Stem Cell Biology Roadmap

Year 1, Fall

Biol 201 - Graduate Seminar in Biological Sciences (1 U)

Biol 202 - Graduate Studies in Biology (GWAR) (3 U)                     

Biol 205 - Advanced Molecular Techniques (4 U)

Biol 238 - Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (3 U)

Year 1, Spring

Biol 220 - Science Communication (3 U)

Biol 239 - Stem Cell Biology Laboratory (4 U)

Biol 235 - Bench to Bedside in Regenerative Medicine (1 U)

Biol 236 - Community Outreach ( 1 U)

Biol 237 - Patient Interaction (1 U)

Electives (2 U) 

Year 1, Summer 

hESC workshop at Stanford University (1 week)

Year 2, Fall 

Biol 297- Graduate Research (4 U)

Year 2, Spring 

Biol 297 - Graduate Research (4 U)

Biol 298 - MS Project Culminating Experience (1 U)

Year 2, Summer 

CIRM conference- students are required to attend and present their internship project in a poster format at the annual CIRM trainee conference (2-3 days).

Stem Cell Biology Concentration Courses

• BIOL 235 1 Unit Bench to Bedside in Regenerative Medicine

  • This course explores stem cell biology from the perspective of the biotech industry, including strategies used to advance new stem cell-based therapeutics to the clinic. Therapeutic applications of stem cells and current technologies used in cell therapy manufacturing.  

• BIOL 236 1 Unit Community Outreach

  • The Community Outreach class content includes basic principles of stem cell biology, current stem cell therapies and methods to educate the public through CIRM materials and seminars.

• BIOL 237 1 Unit Patient Interactions

  • Course material includes patient etiquette and interaction. This course also educates students in the daily struggles of patients with long term illnesses and proposes strategies to bridge the gap between research and patient needs.  

• BIOL 238 3 Units Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

  • Topics in the growing field of stem cell biology, including properties of embryonic and adult stem cells and invertebrate and vertebrate models of stem cell research.

• BIOL 239 4 Units Stem Cell Biology  Laboratory 

  • Lab experience in culturing mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) and human pluripotent stem cells (hESC) and cell and molecular assays including microscopy and immunofluorescence, differentiation into various cell lineages and an independent project. 

Career Development Activities

During the first year SJSU SCILL students will develop an individual professional development plan (PDP) in consultation with the SJSU mentorship team. Students will also participate in career fairs, and network with SCILL alumni and other profession groups to facilitate their immediate employment upon completion of the program. Interns will be encouraged to join the SJSU SCILL LinkedIn group for career tracking purposes.

Culminating Experience

Upon completing the curriculum, the student will summarize their research thesis or project and orally defend it in front of their Master's committee and audience. 

Additionally, the student will present their work in a poster format at the annual CIRM trainee conference. These activities will culminate their program commitment and will award them with a master degree from SJSU.