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  4. 2014-2015
  5. Developmental Biology
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Undergraduate Developmental Biology 2014-2015

DB3005: PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

15 credits

Level 3

First Term

  • this course covers many of the core concepts and processes which are essential for advanced study in Biomedical and related sciences;
  • you will gain cutting edge, in depth and focussed knowledge of embryological techniques and tools and their practical applications, delivered in a research-driven environment;
  • this course will prepare you for advanced study of developmental biology and human embryology;
  • the practicals are designed to provide a 3D understanding of embryology as well as an in depth study of a model organism, providing transferrable skills such as problem solving and web page design and further developing graduate attributes and employability
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DB3501: DEVELOPMENTAL GENETICS

15 credits

Level 3

Second Term

  • this is course provides an essential foundation in Genetics for students of developmental biology and embryology;
  • the principles of molecular genetics will be covered, with an emphasis on their application to the understanding of human biology. The teaching material will integrate information arising from the recent explosion of genome sequence data, equipping students with the necessary skills to engage with this rapidly developing field;
  • a wide range of transferable skills are embedded within the course, including problem-solving, critical analysis of research material, oral and written presentation and subject-specific laboratory and computational skills
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DB3502: REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

15 credits

Level 3

Second Term

  • reproduction is an emotive and sometimes controversial topic that is fundamental to our survival;
  • DB3502 will ensure that you become familiar with critical aspects of mammalian reproductive biology, including anatomy and endocrinology, gonadal function, epigenetics, nutritional influences and pregnancy;
  • establishing reproductive competence underpins developmental biology and you will learn about sex determination and fetal reproductive development;
  • fertility is an essential concept and you will gain insights into natural and artificial regulation of reproduction and assisted reproductive technology;
  • discussion of reproductive ethical and an introduction to comparative reproductive biology and current issues like endocrine disruption will broaden your mind
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DB3803: PATTERNING THE EMBRYO

15 credits

Level 3

Second Term

  • this course takes us back to the very beginning of embryonic development and explores the fascinating process of how the fertilised egg develops into the complex multicellular embryo;
  • we will explore the embryology of axis induction and germ layer formation and the cellular processes driving morphogenesis;
  • we will illustrate fundamental molecular mechanisms that regulate early embryonic development; and how many of the same mechanisms are now found to regulate also organ development and stem cells during regeneration;
  • we will also discuss which scientific experiments gave us this knowledge and what tools and methods are used to study early embryos
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DB3804: DEVELOPMENT OF ORGAN SYSTEMS

15 credits

Level 3

Second Term

  • the business end of embryogenesis – turning a bundle of cells into a functioning baby;
  • the course addresses the development of the major organ systems – where do the lungs, the pancreas, the liver, the blood, the heart etc. come from?  How does the nervous system develop?;
  • we show that the processes are not ‘magic’. There are accessible principles and systems that enable us to begin to understand how tissue development happens; 
  • the course investigates the roles of stem cells in embryology, adult life and cancer;
  • practical classes in working laboratories study the roles of cell proliferation and cell death in embryogenesis
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DB4002: EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT

15 credits

Level 4

First Term

  • this is an advanced course that explores developmental processes from an evolutionary perspective;
  • the theory and practice of evolutionary biology as applied to developmental systems will be covered, focussing on the evolution of a range of developmentally important events, including vertebrate limb evolution and human-specific traits; 
  • the course provide experience of problem-solving, critical analysis of research material, oral and written presentation and subject-specific computational skills
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DB4501: DEVELOPMENT BIOLOGY HONOURS PROJECT

60 credits

Level 4

Second Term

  • the project offers a wonderful opportunity to carry out cutting-edge literature or laboratory-based scientific research;
  • with around 150 projects to choose from, this is a fantastic opening to follow your interests working with academic staff and leading scientific researchers;
  • the project forms the zenith of your degree and fosters further development of the scientific skills and knowledge you have gained and heightens analytical and critical thinking abilities;
  • the opportunity to be part of novel, yet-to-be published research projects can be career-defining, and provides the ideal experience to prepare you for postgraduate study and other future careers
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