bio845 - Introduction to Development and Evolution (Complete module description)

bio845 - Introduction to Development and Evolution (Complete module description)

Original version English PDF download
Module label Introduction to Development and Evolution
Module code bio845
Credit points 6.0 KP
Workload 180 h
Institute directory Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences
Applicability of the module
  • Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Background Modules
  • Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Background Modules
  • Master's Programme Molecular Biomedicine (Master) > Background Modules
  • Master's Programme Neuroscience (Master) > Background Modules
Responsible persons
  • Sienknecht, Ulrike (module responsibility)
  • Sienknecht, Ulrike (Module counselling)
  • Sienknecht, Ulrike (authorised to take exams)
  • Claußen, Maike (authorised to take exams)
Prerequisites

 

Skills to be acquired in this module

Upon successful completion of this course, students

  • 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
Module contents

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
Recommended reading

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

Links
Language of instruction English
Duration (semesters) 1 Semester
Module frequency winter term
Module capacity 20 (

selection criteria: sequence of registration

)
Reference text

associated with bio846 (neu120) (Lab Exercises in Development and Evolution)     

Type of module Wahlpflicht / Elective
Module level MM (Mastermodul / Master module)
Teaching/Learning method Lecture, seminar
Previous knowledge Fundamentals of organismic biology, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, genetics, molecular biology
Type of course Comment SWS Frequency Workload of compulsory attendance
Lecture 3 WiSe 45
Seminar 3 WiSe 45
Total module attendance time 90 h
Examination Prüfungszeiten Type of examination
Final exam of module

same winter term     

oral exam of 30 minutes (or written exam)