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BIOL2471: DEVELOPMENT

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Biosciences

Prerequisites

  • Level 1 Genetics BIOL1171.

Corequisites

  • At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce the mechanisms which generate the three dimensional organisation of multicellular organisms.
  • To introduce the mechanisms that generate cellular diversity in plants and animals.
  • To examine model developmental systems.

Content

  • The bases of developmental processes; germ layer theory, stem cells.
  • Gene regulation as a determining factor in development.
  • Developmental signalling pathways.
  • Model systems for developmental processes.
  • Morphogenesis.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of different model systems for studying development, and their individual characteristics.
  • Knowledge of the origin and properties of stem cells in plants and animals.
  • Knowledge of embryonic structures and tissue development in animals.
  • Knowledge of plant development and its underlying mechanisms.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Interpretation of experimental data showing the changing distribution of cellular components during development.
  • Basic tissue culture of animal and plant material, and manipulation of developmental outcomes for cells.

Key Skills:

  • Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
  • Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in development practical reports.
  • Team work.
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
  • Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
  • Practical Exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
  • Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
  • Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
  • Practical Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures24Weekly2 hours p/w24 
Practical Exercises31 or 2 per term4 hours12Yes
Workshops41 per term1 hour4Yes
Tutorials21 per term1 hour2Yes
Preparation & Reading158 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Practical skills & data handling 50Yes
Data interpretation & communication  50Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

More information

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Current Students: Please contact your department.