Cell and Developmental Biology

This major provides students with broad understanding of cell structure and function and explores genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of development in a range of organisms and experimental models. It highlights the research methodologies used and how knowledge is applied to improve the human condition. Students should develop specialist skills in understanding cellular processes and experimental approaches used to investigate them. They should also develop generic skills in integrating information from diverse fields, communication and presentation of information, teamwork and independent learning that will equip them for a range of careers in research, biotechnology, government agencies, agriculture, medico-legal and journalism.

Cell & Developmental Biology Major Graduates should demonstrate:

• a broad knowledge of cell and developmental biology concepts, with particular understanding of cellular mechanisms that underlie some of the processes that lead to formation of living organisms from a single fertilised cell;
• an awareness of scientific methods and research skills used to investigate cell & developmental biology problems;
• awareness of ethical issues in cell and developmental biology research, particularly in relation to stem cells, in vitro fertilisation and assisted reproductive technologies;
• a capacity to evaluate and synthesise information from a wide range of sources in order to communicate ideas, concepts and construct arguments in both non-scientific and scientific language.

Completion of 50 points of study at Level 3.

There are three specialisations within the Cell and Developmental Biology major.

The specialisation Plant Cell Biology and Development is not available within the Bachelor of Biomedicine course.