BIO 332/333 Developmental Biology

Spring Semester

This course will focus on the development of animals viewed through the lenses of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and evolutionary biology. Students will study classical and modern experiments that serve as the foundation of our knowledge of developmental biology, along with the primary model organisms used for developmental biology research. Topics will include fertilization, stem cells, intercellular signaling, regulation of gene expression, cell migration, regeneration, aging, teratogens, and evolutionary developmental biology. Where relevant, ethical considerations will be discussed. In addition, techniques such as transgenics, knockouts, cloning, gene silencing, and genetic screens will be discussed. A primary focus will be on analysis of experimental design and data, and students will be expected to synthesize and present scientific literature through oral presentations and written essay. The laboratory will introduce students to basic developmental biology techniques through the use of several model organisms, and will include an independent research project. 3 hours lecture. 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 290 and BIO 240/241

4 credit hours