UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

DEV3011 Fundamentals of developmental processes

Faculty of Science

DEV3011 Fundamentals of developmental processes is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2022 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2022
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2022 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before DEV3011

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After DEV3011

1 unit list DEV3011 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Enrolment rules

PREREQUISITE: DEV2011 and DEV2022; or BMS1062, BMS2011, BMS2021 and BMS2031.  

Overview

This unit introduces you to the concepts and experimental systems in developmental biology. How gene expression is regulated during development and thereby leads to the development of differentiated cells and tissues is considered. Communication between cells during development is described, as well as the key concepts of induction and competence. You will learn about the major early developmental processes and principle experimental strategies for studying development. Finally, in laboratory classes you will be introduced to some of the major methods used in developmental biology. 

Offerings in 2022

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Practical reportsReport
    25%
  • Written report and seminarReport
    25%
  • Mid-semester testIn class test
    10%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)ExamThreshold hurdle
    40%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate animal development;

  2. 2

    Outline the strategies used to study mechanisms of development;

  3. 3

    Compare and contrast different developmental model systems;

  4. 4

    Demonstrate practical laboratory skills integral to the study of developmental biology including obtaining, documenting and interpreting data;

  5. 5

    Discuss and critically analyse developmental biology research papers;

  6. 6

    Collaborate effectively as a pair or in a group to complete academic tasks;

  7. 7

    Demonstrate effective communication by oral, visual and written means.

Workload and teaching

  • Lectures24 hours
  • Laboratories34 hours
  • Teaching approachOnline learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Teaching approachResearch activities
  • Teaching approachCase-based teaching
  • Up to 6 hr of directed learning including lectures, laboratories and online activities and
  • Up to 6 hours of self directed independent study per week.

Lectures and associated learning activities are provided online in addition to  Interactive online learning that covers background knowledge in genetics so that students are brought up to the level required to understand subsequent concepts in the unit.

Interactive laboratory classes are an essential part of this unit. where students learn methods in developmental biology and how to label embryos and prepare written reports .

Research  activities in the form of laboratory experiments are an essential part of this unit.. Laboratory classes are “hands-on”, during which students are taught how to conduct experiments in the field of developmental biology. Laboratory sessions in this unit allow students to develop technical skills in developmental biology.

This unit also offers interactive workshops, in which students work through problems in the field of developmental biology. The workshops allow students to apply the knowledge learned in the lectures to case-based examples.              

Learning resources

Required resources

Developmental Biology Scott F. Gilbert Sinauer Press. The most recent edition of this textbook is the 11th Edition, by Gilbert and Barresi.

Where it fits

DEV3011 is part of 1 area of study in the 2022 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Professor Helen Abud
Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Craig Smith

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for DEV3011?

DEV3011 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after DEV3011?

DEV3011 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including DEV3022.

When is DEV3011 offered?

In 2022, DEV3011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does DEV3011 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include DEV3011?

DEV3011 is part of Developmental biology.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available