Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
BB40170: Vertebrate developmental biology |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| ES 40%, EX 50%, SM 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB20149 and in taking this unit you cannot take BB40124 |
| Description:
| Aims: To study in depth how a particular part of the body develops in the vertebrate embryo and the ramifications for understanding the basis of congenital defects, evolutionary adaptations and regeneration and repair. Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * outline cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in basic developmental processes in vertebrate embryos; * describe in detail current knowledge of how the vertebrate limb develops; * explain how knowledge of normal limb development provides insights into the basis of congenital defects including teratogenesis; * illustrate the impact of understanding limb development on vertebrate evolution; * compare and contrast embryonic development and regeneration of the limb in vertebrates and discuss possible applications of this knowledge. Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F. Content: This course builds on year 2 material to enable an in depth study of vertebrate development by focussing mainly on development of the limb. The lectures will review the general principles of developmental processes and cover the cellular and molecular basis of vertebrate limb development with an emphasis on the most recent work in this area, congenital defects of the limb including both single gene defects, such as those responsible for brachydactylies, and teratogenesis, evo-devo of limb development including fin/limb comparisons, limb reductions in reptiles, stickleback evolution, and finally tissue formation and vertebrate limb regeneration. |