Developmental Biology module (BS32045)

A concept-based approach to developmental biology. You will explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that allow organisms to develop

Credits

Module code

BS32045

Level

Semester

Semester 2

School

School of Life Sciences

Discipline

Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology

You will be introduced to the principles that govern how organisms grow and develop.

You will study topics such as:

fertilisation
cell fate specification
morphogenesis and tissue patterning
axis determination
organogenesis
growth
regeneration
the role of developmental pathways in disease

You will also explore how cells communicate, make decisions and organise themselves in space and time.

You will examine how developmental programmes compare across different organisms. You will also learn about the genetic and molecular techniques used to investigate development.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

explore how after fertilisation, cell fate specification and morphogenesis shape developing organisms
examine the molecular and cellular regulation of embryonic development, organogenesis and regeneration
investigate how developmental pathways are conserved across evolution. You will also learn how their disruption can lead to disease
develop literature review and presentation skills

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

explain how progressive changes in size, shape, position and function of cells translate the genetic potential of the organism into a functioning mature organism
describe the molecular, biochemical and cellular events that regulate the development of specialised cells, tissues and organs during embryonic development
identify and compare model organisms and developmental programmes used to investigate developmental biology
describe genetic, molecular and cellular techniques used to investigate developmental and cell biology processes in various organisms