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BIO413Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Developmental Biology

This course introduces developmental processes leading to the establishment of body plans in metazoan organisms. It covers fertilization through developmental stages to organismal and postembryonic development. The course explores cellular and genetic mechanisms, gametogenesis, cleavage formation, gastrulation, invagination, and organogenesis. Students will learn about general embryology, embryonic membranes, and placenta formation, providing a comprehensive understanding of developmental biology.

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20h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Developmental BiologyEmbryogenesisGametogenesisOrganogenesisFertilization

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Gametogenesis

2

Fertilization

3

Cleavage

4

Gastrulation

5

Organogenesis

6

Embryonic Membranes

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Embryologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Reproductive Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Genetic Counselor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Developmental Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

BiotechnologyHealthcarePharmaceuticalsResearchGenetics

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Developmental Biology

4h

Unit 1: Principles of Development in Biology

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand Aristotle's contributions and the definition of developmental biology.
  • •Identify the objectives accomplished by developmental biologists.
  • •Explain the six general questions scrutinized by developmental biologists.

Unit 2: Anatomical Approach to Developmental Biology

2 study hours
  • •Study anatomical approaches to embryology.
  • •Explain the principles of development.
  • •Describe life cycles and evolution of developmental patterns.
Week
2

Module 2: Gametogenesis

3h

Unit 1: Gametes Interaction during Fertilization

3 study hours
  • •Explain gametogenesis and its significance.
  • •Describe the development of sperm and egg.
  • •Outline the steps involved in gamete interaction.
Week
3

Module 2: Gametogenesis

3h

Unit 2: The Determination of Germ Cell in Different Group of Animals

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the formation of germ plasm and determination of PGCs.
  • •Explain the migration of PGCs in different animal groups.
  • •Understand the roles of EG and ES cells.
Week
4

Module 2: Gametogenesis

3h

Unit 3: Mitosis and Meiosis

3 study hours
  • •Explain the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction.
  • •Describe the stages of mitosis and meiosis.
  • •Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.
Week
5

Module 2: Gametogenesis

3h

Unit 4: Fertilization and Gamete Formation in Major Groups of Organisms

3 study hours
  • •Explain the structure and function of sperm and egg.
  • •Describe acrosomal reaction in sea urchin and mammals.
  • •Explain the fusion of genetic material.
Week
6

Module 3: Fertilization and Cleavage Formation in Animals

2h

Unit 1: Fertilization in Animals

2 study hours
  • •Explain the process of fertilization.
  • •Describe internal and external fertilization with examples.
  • •Explain fertilization in mammals and humans.
Week
7

Module 3: Fertilization and Cleavage Formation in Animals

2h

Unit 2: Cleavage, morula and Blastocyst formation

2 study hours
  • •Explain cleavage and the role of mitosis promoting factor.
  • •State and explain different patterns of embryonic cleavage.
  • •Understand blastocyst formation.
Week
8

Module 3: Fertilization and Cleavage Formation in Animals

2h

Unit 3: Cleavage patterns in major groups of organisms

2 study hours
  • •Explain cleavage formation in sea urchin, snail, amphibian, bird, and mammal.
  • •Compare and contrast cleavage patterns in different organisms.
Week
9

Module 4: Gastrulation, Invagination and Organogenesis Formation

3h

Unit 1: Gastrulation and Invagination in major groups of organisms

3 study hours
  • •Explain gastrulation and invagination in sea urchin, snail, and fish.
  • •Describe gastrulation in amphibian, aves, and mammal.
Week
10

Module 4: Gastrulation, Invagination and Organogenesis Formation

3h

Unit 2: Organogenesis

3 study hours
  • •Explain organogenesis and its significance.
  • •Describe the products of the three germ layers.
  • •Understand the formation of early nervous system, septum, and heart.
Week
11

Module 5: General Embryology

3h

Unit 1: General Embryology

3 study hours
  • •Explain gametogenesis and types of egg membranes.
  • •Describe fertilization and its mechanism.
  • •Understand cleavage, blastulation, gastrulation, and organogenesis.
Week
12

Module 5: General Embryology

3h

Unit 2: Embryonic membrane and Placenta

3 study hours
  • •Explain the structure and function of extraembryonic membranes.
  • •Describe the structure and function of the placenta.
  • •Understand birth control methods and infertility treatments.
Week
13

Module 5: General Embryology

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units.
  • •Work on assignments and TMAs.
  • •Prepare for final examination.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed diagrams illustrating gastrulation movements in different organisms (Units 1-3).

2

Develop flashcards for key transcription factors and signaling pathways involved in axis formation (Module 2).

3

Practice explaining the differences between meroblastic and holoblastic cleavage (Unit 3).

4

Review the functions of extraembryonic membranes and the placenta (Module 5).

5

Focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell differentiation during organogenesis (Module 4).

6

Create concept maps linking Modules 1-5 developmental processes and key events

7

Practice explaining the differences between meroblastic and holoblastic cleavage (Unit 3).

8

Review all TMAs and self-assessment questions

9

Create a timeline of key events in early mammalian development (Units 1-3).

10

Focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell differentiation during organogenesis (Module 4).

11

Create concept maps linking Modules 1-5 developmental processes and key events

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