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.  Different topics may be included in different years and the course may include:  the molecular and cellular basis of animal development; gene regulatory and cell signaling mechanisms; developmental neurobiology; epigenetic regulation in different organisms; membrane proteins and their role in disease, protein structure and function.

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

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

1. Understand how the genetics of model organisms such as Drosophila, C. elegans and Arabidopsis can be used to discover and describe the mechanisms of basic biology
2. Understand how the techniques of molecular biology can be applied to different experimental problems
3. Locate and understand material relating to the topics covered in the primary scientific literature

Apply problem solving and critical analysis skills to relevant published material.

Assessment will be based on:

• Assignments and (if applicable) practical reports (total 42%; LO 1-4, practical reports LO 5, 6)
• Final exam (58%; LO 1, 2, 4)

Two lectures per week and up to 8 tutorials plus 1 or 2 optional practicals. (The practical component is voluntary and has limited spaces available.)

BIOL3161