DEV3022 - Developmental and anatomical basis of human health and disease - 2018

This unit considers the anatomy and development of the major organs and organ systems of the body. The classical morphogenetic steps/stages in organ development are described, as well as the most up to date knowledge of the molecular/genetic and foetal/maternal environmental regulation of these morphogenetic processes. Organ systems covered include musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, central nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and reproductive. Students will learn how abnormalities in genetic and/or environmental regulation of development lead to birth defects as well as chronic diseases in adulthood.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the basic anatomy and development of the major organs and organ systems;
2. Analyse the genetic and environmental regulation of organogenesis in the major organ systems;
3. Explain how errors or perturbations in genetic and/or environmental regulation of development can lead to birth defects and outline how suboptimal development can result in or predispose to adult chronic disease;
4. Relate the relative contributions of endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm in the formation of the tissues and organs of the adult body;
5. Demonstrate familiarity with experimental strategies and techniques used to identify and study organogenesis and the regulation of organogenesis;

6. Demonstrate an ability to interpret, discuss and present studies in anatomy and developmental biology research.

Seminars: 30%

Practical reports: 20%

Examination (2 hours): 50% (Hurdle)

This unit is subject to the Hurdle and Threshold Standards policiesHurdle and Threshold Standards policies (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy-2017.html) of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences.

Two lectures and one three-hour practical class per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Developmental biology