DEV3011

Upon completion of this subject students will comprehend the major molecular and cellular processes that regulate the development of differentiated cells, tissues and organs during embryonic and fetal development.   The signalling pathways that regulate embryonic induction and tissue interactions during development are covered.  The molecular regulation of pattern formation is described.  Experimental strategies and techniques for studying mechanisms of development are described.

The lecture course will introduce students to the mechanisms of development, whereby undifferentiated cells ultimately differentiate into the specialized cells, tissues and organs of the adult body.  These concepts will be reinforced in Seminars and Practical Classes.  Lectures and Practical Classes will also cover the experimental strategies and techniques used to study mechanisms of development.  Seminars will be used to discuss and interpret recent and classic developmental biology scientific research papers that will be linked to topics covered in lectures and practicals.  There will be an emphasis on student participation in the Practical Classes and Seminars.

On completion of this unit students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate animal development
2. Describe the strategies used to study mechanisms of development.
3. Compare and contrast different developmental model systems
4. Perform and evaluate practical laboratory techniques integral to the study of developmental biology
5. Interpret and discuss modern developmental biology research papers

Mid-semester on line-based MCQ test: 10%
Seminars: 25%
Practical reports: 15%
Final examination: 50%

Two lectures and one 3-hour practical class per week