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Biology Teaching and Learning Centre · ANU College of Science and Medicine
How do complex multicellular organisms develop from a single cell? How did mechanisms of development evolve through millions of years of evolution? How does temperature, light and environmental chemicals affect development? This course integrates evolutionary, ecological and molecular perspectives to investigate how animals and plants develop and interact with their environment. The course will cover the following topics: developmental regulatory genes and hormones (including signalling pathways and transcription factors), morphogenesis, maintenance of homeostasis, regeneration, interaction with biotic and abiotic environmental factors, plasticity, stem cells and transdifferentiation, genetic and genomic basis of evolution of multicellularity and body forms. The practical section will expose students to modern techniques used in developmental biology research using plant and animal model systems. During practicals, student teams will be carrying out two consecutive mini-projects during which they will attempt to solve biological riddles. Written manuscript-style reports and oral conference-style presentations will be peer-reviewed before assessment. The course should appeal to students interested in molecular biology or biomedicine as well as those interested in organismal biology. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Report from practical 1
Learning outcomes 1, 4
Seminar and abstract from practical 2
Learning outcomes 3, 4
Journal club presentation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weekly quizzes
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 24 hours), 10 x 3 hours (total 30 hours) of practical or workshop sessions, and 1 hour (total 12 hours) of tutorial per week throughout the semester. - Approximately 65 hours of self directed study in total, which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks. Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions. Other Information Please email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
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