BISC 333 Developmental Biology 02-2

 

Instructor:

Andrea Scouras (ascouras@sfu.ca)

Office: TBA

Office Hours: Mondays 11:00-12:00 & Wednesdays 1:30-2:30.
Teaching Assistants: TBA
Prerequisites: MBB 222 (BICH 222); BISC 202 with C- or better.
Required Text: "Developmental Biology" 6th Edition. 2000. by Scott Gilbert. Sinauer Assoc
Exam Schedule There are three equally weighted midterm exams with NO FINAL EXAM.

Each midterm is independent of the previously examined material. Letter grade assignment ranges will be given on the first day of classes.

Reading Assignments:

held responsible for the material. Additional reading may be assigned during lectures.

Midterm I Monday June 3, 2002.

Midterm II Wednesday July 3, 2002.

Midterm III Friday August 2, 2002.

Reading Assignments: Students are expected to read all of the assignments and will be

Ch 1. Developmental biology: The anatomical tradition all

Ch 2. Life cycles and the evolution of developmental patterns pp. 25-32, 44-47; Fig. 2.9

Ch 3. Principles of experimental embryology pp. 54-75

Ch 4. Genes and development: Techniques and ethical Issues all

Ch 5. The genetic core of development: Differential gene expression all

Ch 6. Cell-cell communication in development pp. 143-165

Ch 7. Fertilization: Beginning a new organism all

Ch 8. Early development in selected invertebrates all

Ch 9. The genetics of axis specification in Drosophila pp. 263-280, 290-302; Tab. 9.2

Ch 10. Early development and axis formation in amphibians all

Ch 11. The early development of vertebrates: Fish, birds and mammals pp. 339-364

Ch 19. The saga of the germ line all

This course encompasses a detailed examination into modern developmental biology emphasizing early animal development. Topics will include gametogenesis, fertilization, early embryology and axis formation in a range of model animal systems. The course emphasizes the use of molecular and genetic tools as well as classical embryological studies to explain the processes of development.