585.743.81 - Modeling Approaches to Cell and Tissue Engineering

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Cancer Stem Cells Models
• Cancer Stem Cells Treatment Strategies
• Migration of Tumor Cells and Self-Metastases
• Introduction to the Modeling of Bone Regeneration
• Modeling of Bone Fracture Healing Taking into Account Vascularization
• Bone Regeneration after the Use of an Implant. Modeling that Takes into Account Vascularization
• Regeneration of Skeletal Muscle. The Use of Biomimetic Scaffolds
• Modeling Stem Cell Myogenic Differentiation
• Stem Cell Interaction with Extracellular Matrix
• Modeling Cell Interaction with Viscoelastic Extracellular Matrix
• Stem Cell Differentiation and Polarization vs. the Stiffness of the Substrate
• Poroelastic (Biphasic) Tissues

Course Goals

To learn the mathematical and computational methods of the modeling of multicellular systems including cell interaction with extracellular matrix, migration, proliferation, and differentiation in order to apply them to the solution of engineering problems associated with such tissues as brain, bones and skeletal muscles.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Analyze the behavior and evolution of cancer stem cells.
• Formulate rules of cell division, migration, differentiation, and death used in a rule-based algorithm to describe the evolution of a multicellular system.
• Analyze the effects of vascularization on the modeling of tumor development, bone and muscle regeneration.
• Apply your knowledge of broken bones, implants, and vascularized growing tissue in order to design of implants.
• Analyze the computational model of poroelastic scaffolds using it for skeletal muscle regeneration after significant losses of mass.
• Develop a mathematical model (course modeling project) of the active force produced by stem cells using extremal properties of stem cell/extracellular matrix interaction.

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks for this course.

Student Coursework Requirements

Due Dates

All module-related assignments are designed for your completion after watching all lectures and completing the reading material. The assignments are available to you on Day 1 of the module, and due dates are outlined in subsequent sections for various assignment types. All due dates are 11:59 PM Eastern time on the specified day.

Assignments submitted after the due dates will not be accepted unless prior permission for an extension is given by the instructor for rare circumstances, such as medical conditions or family emergencies. Personal or business travel is not grounds for an extension. If an extension is granted by the instructor, no grading penalty will be applied.

Instructor Feedback

The instructor’s feedback and grading can be expected within 7 days of the due date.

Grading

Discussions 10%
Assignments 60%
Quizzes 10%
Modeling Project 20%

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in your course site. You may check these due dates in the course Calendar or in the Assignments in the corresponding modules. I will post grades one week after assignment due dates.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

100-98 = A+
97-94 = A
93-90 = A−
89-87 = B+
86-83 = B
82-80 = B−
79-77 = C+
76-73 = C
72-70 = C−
69-67 = D+
66-63 = D
<63 = F

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.