DB4002: EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04

Course Overview

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

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	4
Term	First Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Professor Neil Vargesson

Qualification Prerequisites

Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

One of Intercalating (Studied) or DB3002 Principles of Development (Passed) or DB3003 Principles of Development (Passed) or DB3005 Principles of Developmental Biology (Passed) or DB3006 Principles of Developmental and Reproductive Biology (Passed)
Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4
Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

All living organisms are the products of the selective pressures that shaped the form and function of their ancestors. Evolutionary biology traces the changes that have occurred to give rise to the diversity of modern organisms. Developmental biology provides information about how tissues, organs and ultimately organisms arise from the single, fertilised egg. We can now understand how changes at the genetic level can lead to changes in cell fate and morphogenesis that allow existing structures to change and adopt new configurations. This course will show how combining the two approaches of evolutionary and developmental biology allows an understanding of the mechanisms by which organisms evolve, which cannot be achieved by either discipline alone.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

70% Exam

30% Workshop/Tutorial

Alternative Resit Arrangements for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21

Online Exam

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.