DEV3011 Experimental developmental biology and disease modelling
Faculty of Science
DEV3011 Experimental developmental biology and disease modelling is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
This is the 2026 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.
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 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- In semester testsQuiz / Test30%
- Written reportWritten15%
- Oral presentationPresentation20%
- Lab reportsDemonstration35%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate animal development;
- 2
Outline the strategies used to study mechanisms of development;
- 3
Compare and contrast different developmental model systems;
- 4
Demonstrate practical laboratory skills integral to the study of developmental biology including obtaining, documenting and interpreting data;
- 5
Discuss and critically analyse developmental biology research papers;
- 6
Collaborate effectively as a pair or in a group to complete academic tasks;
- 7
Demonstrate effective oral, visual and written communication.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories20 hours
- Workshops6 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Assessments2 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Up to 6 hours of directed learning including lectures, laboratories and online activities and
- Up to 6 hours of self directed independent study per week.
Interactive laboratory classes are an essential part of this unit. where you 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 you are taught how to conduct experiments in the field of developmental biology. Laboratory sessions in this unit allow you to develop technical skills in developmental biology.
Lectures and associated learning activities are provided online in addition to Interactive online learning that covers background knowledge in genetics so that you are brought up to the level required to understand subsequent concepts in the unit.
This unit also offers interactive workshops, in which you work through problems in the field of developmental biology. The workshops allow you 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 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Craig Smith
- 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 2026, DEV3011 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does DEV3011 have an exam?
No. DEV3011 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include DEV3011?
DEV3011 is part of Anatomy and developmental biology.