Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - BISC 333 D100

Developmental Biology (3)

Class Number: 2305

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2021
    Wed, 10:00–10:00 a.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 adopt characteristics that make them different from one another in developing embryos? 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.

Course Website: https://canvas.sfu.ca/

Grading

  • Tutorial 10%
  • Midterm 1 30%
  • Midterm 2 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

This is a tentative outline and is subject to change. Please contact Dr. Bisgrove for more information.

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of teaching:
Lecture: asynchronous (recorded)
Laboratory: No lab
Tutorial: synchronous
Midterm(s): asynchronous (take-home); date: TBA
Final exam: asynchronous (take home); date: TBA

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 midterms and final exams will most be take home exams.

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).