Undergraduate - Area of study Developmental biology

Developmental biology is one of the most exciting and fast-moving fields in modern biomedical science. It is the discipline concerned with the development of an adult organism from a single cell. The study of developmental biology covers such topics as classical embryology, body structure and design, gene expression and molecular mechanisms of development, organogenesis, causes of birth defects, stem cell biology, regenerative biology and medicine, and tissue engineering. All these aspects are featured in the developmental biology units. Commencing at level two, the concept that the many specialised cell types in the adult human body are derived from a single fertilised egg is introduced. How the body plan is established during embryogenesis, how tissues combine to form organs and how organ systems form the adult body structure are described in lectures and examined in practical classes.

At level three, studies progress to the major molecular and cellular processes that regulate the development of differentiated cells, tissues and organs during embryonic and fetal development, and to what can go wrong in early development leading to congenital abnormalities and/or propensity for long-term adult disease. At level three the diversity of developmental biology research will be introduced including topics such as: the molecular and genetic regulation of organ development and specific transcription factors and post-transcriptional gene regulation in development, identification of tissue-specific stem cells and their roles in development, organ regeneration and cancer, causes of premature birth and the developmental origins of adult health and disease.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad understanding of the key cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human and animal development
• perform and apply practical and laboratory techniques integral to the study of developmental biology incorporating cellular, molecular and imaging techniques
• apply the concept of genetic and environmental impact to an understanding of congenital abnormalities and predisposition to adult disease
• demonstrate proficiency in the analysis, reporting and interpretation of scientific data
• demonstrate the ability to critically interpret and discuss modern developmental biology research using effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to retrieve relevant information from the literature and online resources
• develop skills in the presentation of scientific information, and collection of laboratory data both individually and as part of a team
• demonstrate a knowledge of the current scientific, regulatory, ethical and commercial standards in developmental biology and their application within a scientific and social context.