Histology is the branch of science that studies the cells and tissues that make up living organisms. The philosophy of histology is to produce predictions about the three-dimensional structures of tissues and organs by examining two-dimensional tissue sections. Tissues are formed by the gathering of cells, which are the smallest unit of living organisms, and organs are formed by the assembly of different tissues in varying proportions. Different organs constitute systems with a specific purpose. Using the microscope, the most important observational tool in histology, the knowledge about the structural characteristics of tissues at a microscopic level is gained, and is used to form a connection between this structure and its function. By creating experimental animal models or observing the structure and functions of normal and abnormal cells, tissues, or organs in cell culture environments and by interpretion of the obtained data, the relationship between structure and function is researched and understood.
Embryology is the branch of science that studies normal or abnormal changes that occur in the period of time that starts from the existence of a single cell and ends with birth. In embryology, by observing two-dimensional microscopic sections and three-dimensional structures in the clinic with ultrasound, it is possible to interpret and define the changes that occur during the developmental process. The basic philosophy of embryology is to make inferences about the fourth dimension (time) by looking at two- and three-dimensional structures, both in the past and the future. The fundamental topics of embryology are the prenatal development of gametes and fertilization, along with the embryonic and fetal development processes. In addition to understanding the steps of normal development, it also sheds light on possible teratological issues that may arise before birth. Modern embryology's areas of study, such as in vitro fertilization, cloning, and stem cell research, are based on the genetic control of developmental stages, cell signaling, mutagens, and their connections with various diseases.
One of the most important areas of histological study is cell culture research, which is based on maintaining and propagating cells in a controlled and typically artificial environment. Cell culture is essential for understanding basic cell structure and biochemistry and plays a significant role in studies related to the effects of drugs and toxic substances on cells, triggering aging, nutrition, mutagens, and carcinogens. Stem cell studies, which are part of the laboratory applications of embryology, aim to repair damaged tissues with cells grown in vitro, repair non-functioning organ parts, investigate the causes of genetic disorders in cells, track cancer formation mechanisms, and explore the safety and efficacy of new drugs.
In the Graduate School of Istanbul Medeniyet University, the Master's program in Basic Regenerative Medicine, which began in the 2020-2021 academic year, aims to allow scientific studies in the fields mentioned above. Additionally, it aims for students to reach a level where they can perform lectures at the university level. In this context, by combining the theoretical knowledge with the practical experience gained from laboratory work, students will contribute to solving the gaps in education in this field. Along with education in histology and embryology, active participation and contributions to conferences, meetings, and national and international scientific journals will help students enhance their knowledge and skills during the program. They will be ready to publish in high-impact journals by planning and conducting scientific and educational research, ultimately preparing them to constrantly improve their scientific knowledge throughout their careers. This will open opportunities for them to contribute to the educational culture of the scientific institutions where they will work in the future.
In today’s world, interdisciplinary studies in medicine and engineering are working towards solutions for many health issues such as cancer, infertility, or organ transplantation. Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that emerged to address vital issues in organ transplantation, such as donor scarcity and organ rejection. The basic concepts and goals in this field are to develop a scaffold structure suitable for the tissue and/or organ, identify the factors that enable the structuring of this scaffold, and handling the cells to be added to this scaffold. The increasing stem cell research is important both in scaffold structuring in tissue engineering and in developing new treatment protocols for fatal diseases such as cancer. Furthermore, with advancing technology, the clinical use of stem cells and tissue engineering products for regenerative purposes has made tissue engineering and stem cell research an essential part of life sciences.
Scientists working in the fields of Histology and Embryology receive fully equipped and competent education in tissue engineering, stem cell research, and assisted reproductive technologies, and successfully work in these areas. The Basic Regenerative Medicine Master's program aims to educate individuals with the necessary competencies to work in all these fields.