BIOL 430
Genes and Development
1. Catalog Entry
BIOL 430
Genes and Development
Credit hours (3) Three hours lecture
Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BIOL 131, BIOL 132, BIOL 231, and BIOL 232;
or permission of instructor
An introduction to the molecular, physiological, and morphological events of developmental
systems with emphasis on vertebrates. Emphasis will be placed on gene regulation during
gametogenesis, fertilization, early development, organogenesis, and cellular differentiation.
2. Detailed Description of Course
1) Introduction to Developmental Biology and Gene regulation
a. Techniques and concepts of Gene Regulation
b. Developmental Concepts and Methods
2) Gametogenesis
a. Oogenesis
b. Spermatogenesis
3) Fertilization
a. Egg Activation
b. Parthenogenesis
4) Early Embryogenesis
a. Cleavage
b. Blastulation
c. Gastrulation
d. Neurulation
e. Germ Layer Formation
5) Cellular Differentiation
a. Maintenance and Differentiation of stem cells
b. Current topics in stem cell analysis
6) Organogenesis
a. Muscle Development
b. Skeletal Development
c. Limb Development
d. Digestive System
e. Respiratory System
f. Circulatory System
g. Urogenital System
h. Nervous System
i. Eyes
ii. Ears
iii. Brain
iv. Cranial Nerves
i. Endocrine System
j. Integumentary System
7) Regeneration
8) Hormonal Control of Development
9) Environmental Control of Development and Teratology
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will be conducted in a traditional lecture format with active learning
opportunities such as frequent in-class writing assignments. Students will write either
a term paper or a critique of a journal article on developmental biology, and make
an oral presentation to the class. The laboratory portion of the course will include
experiments designed and conducted by the students. The data from these projects will
be presented as written lab reports and oral presentations.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
This course will provide students with the opportunity to achieve.
1) An understanding of the processes of genetic regulation of development and
gametogenesis
2) An understanding of the processes of fertilization and egg activation
3) An understanding of the processes of morphogenesis through examining cleavage,
blastulation, gastrulation,
and neurulation.
4) An understanding of the processes of cellular differentiation and organogenesis.
5) A knowledge of selected comparative embryology and contemporary topics of developmental
biology
6) Enhanced skills in written and oral communication as well as small group learning
activities.
5. Assessment Measures
Student knowledge gained from lecture will be evaluated through writing assignments done in class, short answer and essay lecture exams and a comprehensive final exam. Knowledge gained outside of lecture will be evaluated through a term paper or article critique and oral presentations.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 2001
April 13, 2009
June 20, 2015