Developmental biology is one of the most exciting and fast-moving fields in modern biomedical science. It covers such topics as classical embryology, body structure and design, molecular mechanisms of development, organogenesis, causes of birth defects, stem cell biology, regenerative biology and medicine and tissue engineering.
Objectives
On completion of the major sequence in developmental biology students will:
- appreciate the structural diversity of eukaryotic cells
- understand the arrangements of cells and extracellular matrix in primary tissues
- be able to recognise specialised cell types, primary tissues and stages of early human development both in vivo and in vitro
- understand basic micro and macro imaging techniques including aspects of image capture, storage and reproduction
- understand the general anatomy of the human body
- understand the microscopic and macroscopic structure of organs and organ systems
- understand how the general body plan is established in the embryo
- understand the molecular systems that regulate the development of the body
- have a good understanding of the development of the major organs and organ systems, and understand the key molecular events regulating this development
- understand the common birth defects and the mechanisms underlying these developmental abnormalities
- understand the different types of embryonic and adult stem cells, their characteristics and biological potentials
- understand the concept of developmental programming and how this can result in adult disease
- understand how factors, cells and materials can be combined to provide regeneration of diseased tissues and organs
- appreciate a number of the current scientific, ethical and commercial controversies in developmental biology, understand both sides of the arguments, and appreciate both points of view
- understand how new knowledge in developmental biology is obtained
- be able to retrieve, discuss (written and verbal) and understand the latest research findings in the areas above from the electronic and hardcopy literature.
Minor sequence in developmental biology (24 points)
Major sequence in developmental biology
Additional requirements: MOL2011 is a recommended unit for all level-three DEV units.
