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BB50250: Developmental genetics and disorders

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 15 [equivalent to 30 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 300
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CW 50%, EX 50%
Assessment Detail:
  • Research Presentation (CW 50%)
  • Synoptic Written Examination (EX 50%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit you will be able to:
* Apply broad knowledge gained from current literature to compare the basic principles underlying development and organogenesis in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, and discuss the complexity of gene regulatory networks;
* Evaluate the diverse experimental approaches used in the study of developmental genetics;
* Present a research seminar to demonstrate an integrative and critically evaluative approach to the applications of developmental biology in understanding and treating human diseases.

Aims: The unit aims to provide students knowledge of contemporary advances in the field of developmental genetics and an understanding of the associated the human disorders. Students considering taking this option should have an interest in the understanding the molecular genetics of animal development, stem cell biology and its applications in regenerative medicine.

Content: Topics include gametogenesis and fertilisation, mammalian preimplantation development, stem cells, iPSCs, imprinting, cell adhesion, cell movement, morphogenesis and gastrulation, systems development, epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, cell polarity, limb development and regeneration, developmental defects and wound healing.

Programme availability:

BB50250 is Optional (DEU) on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • RSBB-AFM50 : Integrated PhD Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences)
  • TSBB-AFM50 : MSc Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.