Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY: EMBRYOLOGY AND MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPMENT
Code LIFE114
Coordinator Dr DJ Moss
Cellular and Molecular Physiology
D.Moss@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
LIFE101; LIFE103; LIFE105; LIFE107; LIFE109 LIFE101, LIFE103, LIFE105, LIFE107, LIFE109  

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Linked Modules:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

 3

       3

 30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  2hr  2  80  Yes    Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Continuous assessment Continuous Assessment will be objective assessments (e.g. multiple choice and extended matching questions) Written Examination Written examination will be objective assessments (e.g. multiple choice and extended matching questions)  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  3hr  2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 

Aims

This module aims to:

  1. Describe the processes that regulate development and the general properties of stem cells;
  2. Explain the mechanisms of germ line development and early development from fertilisation to gastrulation; 
  3. Provide students with an understanding of how the major organ systems of the body form;
  4. Highlight the experimental evidence underpinning this knowledge;
  5. Develop knowledge and understanding in human biology, and ability to apply, evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems.

Learning Outcomes

Explain the fundamental mechanisms that regulate development;

Describe the general properties of stem cells and their role in development;

Explain the developmental processes that form the three layered embryo and the experimental evidence that underpins our understanding; 

  • Describe the formation of the main organs of the body from the ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm;

    • Explain the basic mechanisms that regulate the development of the major organ systems and the experimental models used to investigate these mechanisms.


    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    Seminar -

    Other -


    Syllabus
    1  The Developmental Biology Toolkit:
    • Role of epithelia, cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix and cell-cell communication in early development.
    • Fundemental cellular mechanisms: cell polarity, cell signalling, regulation of gene expression and epigenetics.
    • Evolutionary developmental biology and the use of animal models to study development.

    Early development:

    • Early mammalian development: from fertilisation through to blastocyst formation, implantation, formation of epiblast, hypoblast and extra-embryonic tissues.
    • Stem cells: general properties, the role of the stem cell in development.
    • Formation of the germ line: germ cell development and gametogenesis.
    • Gastrulation: formation of ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm.

    Organogenesis:

    • Ectoderm: development of the nervous system including neural plate, neural tube, neural crest, peripheral nervous system, regional specification of the brain. Development of the eye.
    • Mesoderm: somite formation and differentiation in higher vertebrates, development of the vertebrate fore-limb.  Development of kidney and circulatory systems.
    • Endoderm: development of gut, liver and respiratory system.

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: