Developmental Biology (C1008)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

On this module you’ll explores the process by which an adult organism arises from a fertilised egg.

You will focus on how information in the genome is converted into the complex programmes of cellular behaviour and differentiation, shaping the morphology of the embryo and adult organism.

You’ll learn core concepts of embryology and genetics, emerging from both classical and modern studies of developmental processes in animals, as well as the implications for human health, fertility and disease.

You will also discover key experiments involving a wide-range of methodologies, and recent advances in stem cells, cloning, organoids and assisted reproduction.

Teaching

76%: Lecture
24%: Practical (Workshop)

Assessment

30%: Coursework (Problem set)
70%: Examination (Computer-based examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 25 hours of contact time and about 125 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.