Professor:	Kara Cerveny, Ph.D.
Office:	Bio 224; if I'm not there, please check the lab (Bio 222).
Office Hours:	Tues 1:30-3:30 pm; Fri 9:30-11am; or by appointment
Contact:	cervenyk@reed.edu
Class Mtg:	Library 204, Tues and Thurs 10:30 – 11:50
Lab Mtg:	Biology 207, Wed 1:10-5pm or Thurs 1:40-5:30pm.
Moodle Site:	https://moodle.reed.edu/course/view.php?id=2234

Course Description

Modern developmental biology analyzes one of the most remarkable events in all of life – the formation of a complex, multi-cellular organism from a single cell – with an armamentarium of genetic, molecular, cellular, and embryological techniques. In this lecture-lab course, we will (1) survey a variety of organisms, noting their individual strengths; (2) probe the genetic, molecular, and cellular changes that drive distinct stages of animal development; (3) learn how cell fate is determined; (4) investigate the processes that guide tissue growth and regeneration and (5) study aspects of human embryogenesis associated with particular congenital diseases.

During the first half of the laboratory portion of the class, experiments with several model organisms will illustrate concepts from lecture and introduce techniques. During the second half of the laboratory portion of the class, students will conduct independent projects that address open questions about cell fate, growth, and embryonic development, and have the option to work on-going projects in the Cerveny Lab.

In this class, we will learn through lecture and discussion based on readings, take-home and in-class assignments, and various embodiment activities. All of these require your participation. It is my job to help you learn the material, and it is your job to make every effort to attend and participate in all classes, ask questions, and seek help by visiting office hours and/or making an appointment to see me.