Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - BISC 333 D100

Developmental Biology (3)

Class Number: 1287

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2020
    Fri, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202, MBB 222, MBB 231 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Classical and modern experimental approaches will be described for understanding development of embryos of several species having common and distinctive features. These approaches are at the organismal, cellular, molecular and genetic levels.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is an introductory course in Developmental Biology. It focuses on a number of model organisms (plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) and addresses key questions such as: How do cells in the developing embryo differentiate into specialized cells such as neurons or muscle cells? How do these cells organize themselves to form an intact animal or plant? The course will cover the sequence of events during embryogenesis (pattern formation, cell fate specification, cell migration and morphogenetic events, cell differentiation, organogenesis) with the goal of illustrating general principles and molecular mechanisms of development.

The course is aimed at a general audience of biology students. The course is introductory but requires a basic understanding of genetics and cell and molecular biology.

Grading

  • Tutorials 15%
  • Online Quizzes 15%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

(preliminary, might be subject to change)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

This course will be delivered remotely. To successfully participate in this course, you need internet access suitable for videoconferencing, a computer or tablet (a phone is not sufficient) with camera and microphone and a quiet study area during tutorial and exam time. Most course components will be delivered asynchronously (you can access them on your own schedule), but tutorials will be synchronous, i.e. you have to be present (via videoconference) during your tutorial time. The final exam will most likely be a take home exam.

Note: if the additional requirements for remote teaching (e.g. videoconferencing equipment) would prevent you from taking this course, please mail me (hutter@sfu.ca) so that we can find a solution.

REQUIRED READING:

None

RECOMMENDED READING:

Principles of Development. Wolpert and Tickle, 5th or 6th edition, 2015 (Oxford University Press)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).