The course will illustrate important cutting-edge areas of developmental and molecular biology. Lectures and tutorials will be given by scientists who are actively involved in research in these areas. The course will explore:

• The molecular and cellular basis of animal development
• The nature, expression and function of developmental regulatory genes
• The molecular basis of cell signalling
• Gene regulatory mechanisms that operate during embryogenesis and post-embryonic development
• The molecular basis of key developmental processes such as epithelium formation and cell migration. 
• The nature of stem cells and their potential for therapeutic use.

An optional practical component with separate assessment will also be available to a limited number of students.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain how the genetics of model organisms such as Drosophila and C.elegans can be used to discover and describe the mechanisms of basic biological processes such as the development of a multicellular animal
2. Describe how many of the same genes and gene pathways are present in all organisms and understand that quite different morphologies may be produced by relatively small changes in genes and their regulation
3. Locate and critically evaluate material relating to animal development in the primary scientific literature, and present these findings and ideas in an oral presentation
4. Formulate a testable hypothesis relating to recent questions in molecular genetics of development

Students who take the practical class will be able to:

Assessment will be based on:

• Assignments and (if applicable) practical reports (total 40%; LO 1-4, practical reports LO 5, 6)
• Oral presentation (10%; LO 1-3)
• Final examination (50%; LO 1, 2, 4)

Bachelor degree, with at least second year Molecular Biology or Biochemistry and first year Chemistry.

Requires Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological sciences with relevant experience or academic achievement; specific knowledge in the area of cell and molecular biology is required.