DEV3022 Developmental and anatomical basis of human health and disease
Faculty of Science
DEV3022 Developmental and anatomical basis of human health and disease is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs DEV3011.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before DEV3022
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After DEV3022
No unit lists DEV3022 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Overview
This unit explores developmental anatomy, including new insights into the molecular and foetal/maternal regulation of the development of major organ systems. You will consider how genetic and/or environmental anomalies during gestation can lead to developmental disorders. You will apply your knowledge of developmental processes to the understanding of cancer development, and learn how suboptimal events during the prenatal and postnatal periods can result in a range of chronic diseases in adulthood.
You will have the opportunity to learn from world-leading experts and explore current and innovative research in developmental biology, cancer and anatomy. In completing this unit, you will further develop valuable employability skills including communication, critical thinking and research skills, which will help prepare you for a variety of career paths, such as biomedical research, medicine and allied health professions, and industry.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory reportsProject40%
- Research presentationsPresentation40%
- TestsQuiz / Test20%
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 basic development and anatomy of major organs and organ systems;
- 2
Explain the molecular and environmental regulation of organogenesis of major organ systems;
- 3
Explain how errors or perturbations in genetic and/or environmental regulation of development can lead to developmental disorders and outline how suboptimal development can result in, or predispose to adult chronic disease;
- 4
Describe the relative contributions of endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm in the formation of the tissues and organs of the adult body;
- 5
Demonstrate experimental strategies and techniques used to identify and study organogenesis and the regulation of organogenesis;
- 6
Discuss and present studies in developmental biology and anatomy research.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops8 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Laboratories21 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
12 hours per week with 6 hours of directed learning (consisting of a combination of online lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, pre/post-class activities) and 6 hours of self-directed study
This unit uses a range of teaching approaches, including lectures, student-centered active workshops research activities and practical laboratory classes. These approaches aim to support the development of your critical thinking skills, understanding of research processes, consideration of the broader social context of developmental biology, and enhance knowledge of the development and anatomy of organ systems.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Author: Shoenwolf . Title: Larsens Human Embryology . Edition: 4 th Edition, 2008. Churchill Livingston Author: Carlson BM . Title: Human Embryology and Developmental Biology . Edition: 5 th Edition, 2013. Mosby Inc Author: Gilbert SF. Title: Developmental Biology . Edition: 12 th Edition (or earlier editions), 2019. Sinauer Associates Inc General Anatomy--- (Eizenberg 2008 McGraw-Hill) Principles & Applications. Functional Histology--- (Kerr 2010 Mosby) - 2nd Edition (or 1st edition).
Where it fits
DEV3022 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Sonja McKeown
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Sonja McKeown
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for DEV3022?
You need DEV3011 before you enrol.
When is DEV3022 offered?
In 2026, DEV3022 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does DEV3022 have an exam?
No. DEV3022 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include DEV3022?
DEV3022 is part of Anatomy and developmental biology.