The Stem Cell Research: A Science and Policy Overview course is an overview of embryonic stem cell biology and public policies. These materials were produced for the conference series, "Stem Cells: Saving Lives or Crossing Lines" sponsored by the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. Support for the International Stem Cell Policy Program has been generously provided by the State of Qatar and the Emir of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani through the State of Qatar Endowment for International Stem Cell Policy and the Richard Lounsbery Foundation.