BI 507 - Developmental Biology

Offered Fall: Offered Winter: Yes Offered Summer: Offered Other:

Credits: 4
Hours (Lecture/Discussion/Lab): 4-0-0
Prerequisites: Admission to the Biology master’s degree program
Co-requisites: None

Course Description: Development of multicellular organisms from the fertilized ovum to the adult body plan. Cellular processes used to specify the identity of embryonic cells within the developing embryo will be emphasized. Course topics will include gametogenesis, fertilization, embryonic cleavage, mechanisms of cellular communication, gastrulation, the role of stem cells in development, sex determination, and the influence of the environment on development. Bioethical consideration of developmental biology will also be covered.