BIOLOGY 430
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

1. Catalog Entry

BIOLOGY 430: Developmental Biology
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory (4).

Prerequisites : BIOL 431 or 345

An introduction to the molecular, physiological, and morphological events of developmental systems with emphasis on vertebrates. Topics include gene expression, gametogenesis, fertilization, early development, organogenesis, cellular differentiation and interaction, hormonal control, and teratology. Laboratory will involve a comparative morphological study of embryos of the starfish, frog, chick, and pig as well as experimental analyses of development.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

I. Introduction to Embryology

A. Historical Perspective
B. Developmental Concepts and Methods

II. Genes and Development

A. Genetic Information
B. Developmental Genetics

III. Gametogenesis

A. Oogenesis
B. Spermatogenesis

IV. Fertilization

A. Egg Activation
B. Parthenogenesis

V. Early Embryogenesis

A. Cleavage
B. Blastulation
C. Gastrulation
D. Neurulation
E. Germ Layer Formation

VI. Cellular Differentiation

A. Regulation of Gene Expression
B. Transcriptional Controls
C. Translational Controls

VII. Extraembryonic Membranes

A. Membranes in Birds
B. Placenta Formation

VIII. Organogenesis and Comparative Embryology

A. Muscle Development
B. Skeletal Development
C. Limb Development
D. Digestive System
E. Respiratory System
F. Circulatory System
G. Urogenital System
H. Nervous System

1. Eyes
2. Ears
3. Brain
4. Cranial nerves

I. Endocrine System
J. Integumentary System

IX. Hormonal Control of Development
X. Regeneration
XI. Sex Determination
XII. 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 critique a journal article on developmental biology and make an oral presentation to the class. Students will also engage in small group learning activities, and each group will be assigned a topic to study comprehensively. Results of their study will be presented orally to other class members in a symposium/seminar format. The course will also have a laboratory component for experiential learning.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

This course will provide students with the opportunity to achieve:

1. Anunderstanding 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

7. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
September 2001 Dr. Charles M. Neal, Chair