Undergraduate Developmental Biology 2016-2017

15 credits

Level 3

First Term

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, tools and their practical applications, and the fundamental principles of reproductive biology delivered in a research-driven environment;
this course will prepare you for advanced study of developmental biology and human embryology;
practicals are designed to provide a 3D understanding of embryology as well as an in-depth study of a model organism, providing transferrable skills as problem solving and web page/blog design,further developing graduate attributes and employability

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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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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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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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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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