Developmental Biology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

An enrolment quota of 110 students per semester applies to this subject.

For detailed information on the quota subject application process, refer to the Quota Subject link on the MDHS Student Centre website: http://sc.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/quota-subjects

170 hours

Any ONE of the following subjects:

OR (For BBiomedicine students)

None

None

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

In this subject students will gain a detailed understanding of the molecular, biochemical and cellular events that regulate the development of specialised cells, tissues and organs during embryonic development. In particular, cell signalling pathways that regulate embryonic induction, tissue interactions and pattern formation, and expression of regulatory genes. A particular focus is the experimental strategies and techniques that are used to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms of development.

Students will comprehend the molecular, biochemical and cellular events that regulate the development of specialised cells, tissues and organs during embryonic development, particularly cell signalling pathways that regulate embryonic induction, tissue interactions and pattern formation, and expression of regulatory genes; and understand the experimental strategies and techniques that are used to identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms of development.

Ongoing assessment on theory and practical work during the semester comprising:

• two multiple choice quizzes (30 minutes each), Week 7 and Week 11 (10% each);
• two practical reports to be completed during the practical sessions (2 page short question & answer, each report equivalent to 150 words), Weeks 2-3 and Weeks 5-6 (depending on practical group) (5% each);
• one practical report (1000 words), due Weeks 10-12 (depending on practical group) (10%);
• a 2-hour written examination during the examination period (60%).

Gilbert SF, Developmental Biology, 10th Edition, Sinauer Press

OR

Wolpert L. and Tickle C. Principles of Development, 4th edition, Oxford University Press

Wolpert L. Principles of Development, 4th edition, Oxford University Press.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject, students should:

• Be able to interpret scientific literature.
• Have the capacity to integrate knowledge across several disciplines.
• Appreciate the usefulness of basic research for understanding and solving current biological problems.
• Have the ability to critically analyse scientific data.

This subject is available to students enrolled in the NG BSc, BBiomed, pre-2008 BSc, pre-2008 BASc, pre-2008 BBiomedSc.

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject.

A laboratory coat and safety glasses will be required for practical work.