DEV2011 Early human development from cells to tissues
Faculty of Science
DEV2011 Early human development from cells to tissues is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2024 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 3 units, leading on to 5 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before DEV2011
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After DEV2011
3 units list DEV2011 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: BIO1011 or BIO1022 or BMS1021 or equivalent.
BIO1011 is highly recommended as a prerequisite for foundational knowledge in the topics of cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. If you have only completed BIO1022, completing BIO1011 concurrently with DEV2011 is strongly advised. If you have completed BMS1021 you have sufficient background and do not need to take any other units prior to or concurrently with DEV2011.
Overview
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.
Offerings in 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In-semester testsIn class test30%
- ReportsReport70%
- Demonstration of laboratory skillsOtherCompetency hurdle-
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the diverse structures of eukaryotic cells;
- 2
Explain how cells and extracellular matrix are arranged in primary tissues;
- 3
Outline the key features and stages of early human and animal development;
- 4
Identify specialised cell types, primary tissues and the cellular processes that produce diverse tissues;
- 5
Explain the origin of major tissue types and how stem cells contribute to tissue renewal;
- 6
Outline strategies and perform laboratory techniques to experimentally analyse gene and tissue function;
- 7
Demonstrate an ability to research published scientific literature and effectively communicate their findings either orally or in writing.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures36 hours
- Laboratories24 hours
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
12 hours per week with 6 hours of directed learning (consisting of a combination of online lectures, laboratory classes, pre- and post- class activities) and six hours of self-directed study.
The laboratory class sequence for the unit incorporates a combination of research activities in interactive wet and dry laboratory classes.
The wet laboratory classes involve hands-on histological and developmental biology techniques and opportunities to observe and describe unique anatomical materials relevant to human developmental biology.
Dry/online laboratory classes incorporate research activities to develop skills in areas including literature research and project management. These sessions provide opportunities to work on the major practical report project; a histological and online research project focussed on one of the major concepts presented through the semester. This allows you to develop an advanced level of knowledge, and provides a creative means by which you hone skills in histological analysis and scientific writing. The laboratory classes also provide an opportunity to interact with the academic staff in smaller group sessions regarding all aspects of the unit.
LECTURES: The major themes of the Unit are presented in a lecture series by Monash Academics working currently in Developmental biology and Anatomy research. This series is designed as an integrated sequence, providing an Introduction to the field while also exposing students to expert, cutting edge knowledge in the field
Lectures are presented as short online videos with associated self-directed learning material and questions. Together these are designed to allow students to integrate information from the lecture series and external sources. Formative review questions are made available online each week to allow for regular review of material.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Author: Carlson BM . Title: Human Embryology and Developmental Biology . Edition: 5th Edition, 2013. Mosby Inc Author: Gilbert SF. Title: Developmental Biology . Edition: 12th Edition (or earlier editions), 2019 Sinauer Associates Inc. Functional Histology - (Kerr 2010 Mosby) - 2nd Edition (or 1st edition).
Where it fits
DEV2011 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2024 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Sonja McKeown
- Dr Julia Young
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Craig Smith
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for DEV2011?
DEV2011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after DEV2011?
DEV2011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 3 units, including DEV2022, DEV3011 and DEV3032. Those lead on to 5 units in all.
When is DEV2011 offered?
In 2024, DEV2011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does DEV2011 have an exam?
No. DEV2011 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include DEV2011?
DEV2011 is part of Anatomy and developmental biology; Biomedical engineering; and Immunology.