Liver Transplants: The Ins and Outs - MOOC
Program Overview
This three-week MOOC from the University of Birmingham explores liver transplantation from early experiments to advancements in organ preservation and the science behind the operation. It examines the ethics and demand for organ donation and features interviews with experts and patients sharing their experiences. Suitable for individuals interested in human biology, transplantation, and the immune system.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Course Duration: Three weeks
- Course Content:
- History of liver transplantation, from early experiments to modern advancements in organ preservation.
- Science behind the liver transplant operation and the drugs used to prevent organ rejection.
- Unique biology of the liver, including how one donor organ can help two patients and how some people can eventually manage without anti-rejection medication.
- Interviews with surgeons, clinical staff, liver transplant coordinators, and patients about their experiences.
- Major Issues Explored:
- How a liver can be transplanted from one person to another and survive.
- Ethics of organ donation and organ allocation.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: Interactive web-based platform.
- Faculty:
- Trish Lalor: Senior Lecturer and research scientist in the Centre for Liver Research.
- Zania Stamataki: Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow in the Centre for Liver Research.
Other:
- Target Audience: Anyone interested in human biology, transplantation, surgery, or the immune system.
- Course Delivery: Delivered by the University of Birmingham in partnership with FutureLearn.
- Course Type: Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
- Course Access: Free and open to learners worldwide.
- Course Credits: Does not offer credits towards admission to the University of Birmingham.
University of Birmingham Summary
Overview:
The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a strong focus on research and innovation. It is committed to developing solutions for a thriving planet and improving the health of people around the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Birmingham offers a welcoming environment for students, with opportunities to settle in, make new friends, discover the city of Birmingham, and prepare for their studies. The university also has a vision for its campus development in the next 20 years, aiming to enhance and refine the global campuses.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Impact:
The university's research is focused on addressing major global issues, such as climate change and global health.Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
The university encourages collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation and find solutions to complex problems.Pioneering Breakthroughs:
The university is known for its pioneering research and breakthroughs in various fields.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has five research challenge themes that guide its focus and draw on its vast expertise and resources. These themes showcase the university's pioneering breakthroughs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and significant global impact.