Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
BB20149 Molecular genetics of vertebrate development |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 60%, PR 40% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10006 |
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Aims: To introduce the study of comparative animal developme and to acquaint students with molecular basis and genetics of animal devleopment. The genetic pathways and regulation of gene expression during embryonic development and methods to study these will be covered.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * demonstrate a knowledge of the developmental processes across a wide range of species; * demonstrate an understanding of the genes and pathways regulating development; * demonstrate a knowledge of the current approches in the study of gene expression, overexpression and ablation and their relevance to development carry out cytochemical, immunohistochemical and in situ hybridisation procedures. Skills: Learning & studying (T/F/A), Written communication (T/F/A), Data acquisition, handling & analysis (T/F/A), Laboratory skills (T/F), Problem solving (T/F), Information handling & retrieval (T/F/A), Working independently (T/F). Content: Animal development covering gametogenesis and fertilisation, early development, mammalian preimplantation development, stem cells, embryonal carcinoma cells, transgenesis and targeted mutagenesis, extraembryonic membranes, X-chromasome inactivation, imprinting, regulation of gene expression, comparative genomics, large scale mutagenesis, cell adhesion, cell movement, morphogenesis and gastrulation. 5 laboratory practical sessions covering, cytochemistry, in situ hybridisation and immunohisochemistry of mouse and fish embryos. |