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DEV2011

Early human development from cells to tissues

 

Introduces the structure and function of eukaryotic cells including the diversity of cell structure and function. The concept that the many specialized cell types in the adult human body are derived from a single fertilized egg is emphasized, laying the foundations for future studies of stem cells and embryogenesis. The four primary tissues (epithelium, connective tissue, muscle tissue, nervous tissue) are described and students learn how these tissues develop in the growing embryo. Topics covered include early human development, gametogenesis, fertilization, blastocyst formation and implantation, formation of stem cell lineages, germ layers and early derivatives.

 

On completion of this unit students will: appreciate the structural diversity of eukaryotic cells; understand the arrangements of cells and extracellular matrix in primary tissues; have key knowledge of early human development; be able to recognize specialized cell types, primary tissues and stages of early human development both in vivo and in vitro; understand basic imaging techniques including aspects of image capture, storage and reproduction.

 

Practical reports: 20%
Mid-semester tests: 20%
Final examination: 60%

 

Three lectures and one 3-hour practical class per week

 

Associate Professor Jeff Kerr

 
fetus

sperm

flurocells

DEV-unit homepage

 

For entry into level 2 units

 

Prerequisites

     DEV2011      BIO1011, BIO1022 or BMS1021
     DEV2022 DEV2011

For entry into level 3 units

 

Prerequisites

     DEV3011

DEV2011 and DEV2022  or BMS1062 and BMS2011 and BMS2021 and BMS2031

     DEV3022 DEV3011
     DEV3032

DEV2011 and DEV2022  or BMS1062 and BMS2011 and BMS2021 and BMS2031

    DEV3990 12 points of study in the discipline area at 2nd-year-level and a distinction over 24 points at 2nd-year-level or by permission of the Unit Convenor or Head of Department

histology and anatomy