Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - BISC 333 D100

Developmental Biology (3)

Class Number: 1861

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2023
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202, MBB 222, and MBB 231, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Embryonic and post-embryonic development of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants, with a focus on both classical and modern experimental approaches. Common and distinct features of the genes and signalling pathways that control development will be compared 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 10%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Homework assignments (2 - 10% each) 20%
  • Final Exam 45%

NOTES:

(preliminary, subject to change)

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No required reading.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Principles of Development. Wolpert and Tickle, 6th edition (Oxford University Press, 2019)


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.