Early human development from cells to tissues

Developmental biology encompasses numerous disciplines, including embryology, anatomy, molecular and cellular biology, as well as evolution and genetics. This unit covers the key events involved in early human development, including gametogenesis, fertilisation, blastocyst formation and implantation, generation of germ layers and cellular derivatives. You will explore how the many specialised cell types in the adult human body are derived from a single fertilised egg, how molecular and cellular mechanisms regulate development, and how issues with these mechanisms can result in developmental disorders. You will learn about the development and microanatomy of a range of cell types, which provides foundational information on organ formation that you will build on in DEV2022. Finally, you will explore the roles of embryonic and adult stem cells, the potential for the use of these cells in medicine, and how cutting-edge developmental biology experiments are performed.

You will gain a range of skills in studying developmental biology that are transferable to different postgraduate areas of study and career paths such as biomedical research, medicine and allied health professions, and industry.  The skills gained from completing DEV2011 assessment tasks include experimental techniques, critical thinking, investigative research skills, communication and project management.