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Unit of study_
BIOL3026: Developmental Biology
2025 unit information
The advent of multicellularity represents one of life's great transitions in complexity, ultimately paving the way to the evolution of complex organisms such as humans. This unit focuses on how such complex multicellular systems are constructed using both animal and plant systems in a comparative way that reveals common strategies and striking contrasts. The course will cover the multidisciplinary nature of approaches used, including classical embryology, biochemistry, genetics, transcriptomics, live-imaging, cell biology, physiology and computer simulation. Topics will include fundamental concepts, morphogens, establishing body axes, cell polarity, differentiation and commitment, evolution in the context of development, mechanics and morphogenesis with examples from model systems, stem cells and cancer. Practical work includes experiments addressing gene expression, organ identity and homeotic conversions, and uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to demonstrate approaches to the study of developmental biology. The practical classes complement the theoretical aspects of the course and develops important skills in developmental biology.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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(MBLG2X72 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2002 or BIOL2X29 or BCMB2X02) and 6 credit points from (MBLG2X71 or BIOL2XXX or BCMB2XXX or MEDS2003 or QBIO2001 or IMMU2XXX) |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BIOL3926 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. understand, explain and evaluate classical and modern approaches used in developmental biology
- LO2. know, understand and analyse developmental biology information
- LO3. define and describe different means by which multicellular organisms develop
- LO4. compare and contrast mechanisms of cell fate determination
- LO5. appraise how developmental biology relates to evolution and diversity
- LO6. develop skills in the use and application of developmental biology tools
- LO7. formulate ideas on the practical applications of developmental biology in agriculture
- LO8. relate the use of developmental biology to improving animal and plant health and well being
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
