·    know the fundamental problems organisms share in development

·    know the common basic steps of ontogenesis after comparing the life cycles of different species (both vertebrates and invertebrates)

·    know the fundamentals of the genetic control of cell-fate specification, morphogenesis, and organogenesis

·    know the principles of gene regulatory networks in development and are able to explain examples

·    are able to explain and discuss mechanisms of development across taxonomic groups and questions about the evolution of developmental mechanisms

·    have in-depth knowledge of the development of animal nervous systems, including cellular and net-work properties

skills:

++ deepened biological expertise

+ deepened knowledge of biological working methods

++ interdisciplinary thinking

++ critical and analytical thinking

+ independent searching and knowledge of scientific literature

+ ability to perform independent biological research

+ teamwork

Lectures on the fundamentals and concepts of developmental biology, including evolutionary aspects. Parallel seminars matching the topics of the lectures and emphasizing discussion. Lecture topics:

·    Introduction to Developmental Biology

·    Cell-Cell Communication

·    Differential Gene Expression (I and II)

·    Early Development of Vertebrates, Gastrulation

·    Neurulation

·    Brain Development

·    Axonal Growth, Target Selection, Synaptogenesis and Refinement

·    Neural Crest

·    Mesoderm Development

·    Morphogenesis

·    Developmental Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change

·    Model Organisms in Developmental Biology

·    Transgenic Mice

·    Medical Implications of Developmental Biology

Literature:

textbook: Gilbert S.F.: Developmental Biology, Macmillan Publishers Ltd, 11th edition 2016 (current edition); and current literature on course topics