Developmental Biology (391-0-1)

Instructors

Shelby Blythe
847 4914062
Pancoe 1409

Meeting Info

Tech Institute Lecture Room 4: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM

Overview of class

Animals are complex living machines, but unlike artificial machines, animals build themselves from scratch. This course will explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the self-assembly of the embryonic body plan. The course will focus on the biological principles of embryonic pattern formation, regulation of gene expression, morphogenetic movements and signal transduction, organized over broad physical scales from single cells to complete organs, and from minutes to complete life cycles. Course material will draw from both current and historical approaches, with a strong emphasis on biological criteria for knowing, including a weekly critical discussion of original literature.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 215-0 and BIOL_SCI 202-0 or BIOL_SCI 219-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0 to register for this course.

Teaching Method

Lecture and student-led discussion of primary literature.

Evaluation Method

Weekly homework assignments (40%), three written, in-class examinations (30%), literature presentation assignment (20%), general class participation and attendance (10%).

Class Materials (Required)

"Developmental Biology", 12th edition. Barresi & Gilbert. Oxford University Press, ISBN: 9781605358222

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Biology Majors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites and registered for any required corequisites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0 or BIOL_SCI 240-0, and BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0 to register for this course.