Undergraduate Developmental Biology 2020-2021

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

Final year Honours projects offer an excellent opportunity to carry out cutting-edge literature or lab-based scientific research
With projects from disciplines throughout the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition to choose from, this is a opening to follow your interests working with staff and leading researchers
Projects form the zenith of your degree and fosters development of the skills and knowledge gained throughout your degree, as well as heightening analytical and critical thinking abilities
The opportunity to be part of novel, yet-to-be published research projects can be career-defining, and provides experience to prepare you for the future.

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