A continuing stress on the need for cohort integrity and teambuilding. The future of regenerative medicine lies with teams of dedicated scientists, engineers and clinicians working together, with an appreciation of the diversity of skills required. This will be encouraged through student driven project selection, team based translational projects in the first year, shared workspaces, 'hot-rooming', and student driven seminars.
A series of 'sheep-dip' core skill sessions at beginning of year 1. These will introduce the student to the concepts, tools, and techniques involved in regenerative medicine, an introduction to research methods and, importantly, an introduction to the staff, physical infrastructures, and research at the 3 Universities. This will enhance teambuilding and ensure integration of taught and research elements.
A 3 X 8 week 'tri-project' that involves a mini-project at each of at least two sites and provides linked grounding in research methods with an engineering, science, and clinical perspective respectively.
An International visit programme to broaden student horizons. At the end of year 2 students will be offered a short (up to three month) visits to an international centre of excellence in either America, Europe Australasia, or Asia.
An innovative delivery methodology for taught modules. Building on our experience lectures and modules will be made available on WebCT as podcasts and linked PowerPoint presentations for student-directed learning. WebCT can record student work and short tests of each section of modules must be completed by students.
