Course Logistics

Course Expectations

Broad Aims

In this course, we will integrate perspectives from cell and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and morphology, constructing a holistic view of how multicellular organisms form and grow. After successfully completing this course, you will have an understanding of (1) how biological patterns emerge, (2) the morphogenesis of organs and tissues, (3) the mechanisms for controlling cell differentiation, (4) growth regulation, and (5) some of the consequences of development gone awry. We work together and create a community that cares deeply about learning and understanding. We will be generous with our time and opinions and kind in our interactions with one another. We will hold each other to high standards and I expect full participation from all students.

Readings

A reference textbook for this course is Principles of Development, 4^th edition by Lewis Wolpert and Cheryll Tickle with contributions from Peter Lawrence, Elliot Meyerowitz, Elizabeth Robertson, Jim Smith, and Thomas Jessell. Additional readings and video viewings will be assigned and available on Moodle. Toward the end of the course, when we focus on human development, Langman’s Medical Embryology text by T.W. Sadler may be useful. The readings are important, but they are not a substitute for coming to class.

Laboratory

It is imperative that you keep an accurate record of your lab experiments. You will need to have a laboratory notebook for dedicated use in this class. The Bio Binder (something you used during Intro Bio) may be helpful for data analysis. If you have any questions or concerns about the materials you’ll need for this course, please see me.

Assessments

To become a scholar, one must master a large body of material. To help you monitor your progress in the class, ungraded self-assessments will be available on Moodle and we will have ungraded “quick quizzes” during class. Graded assessments include the following: take-home exercises (including Q&As and a mid-term), laboratory notebooks, a laboratory write-up, oral and visual presentations.

Accommodations

If you have a documented learning difference or need accommodations, please see me as soon as possible so that we can work together to ensure your access to necessary resources for success in this class. If you have a medical or other emergency at any time during the semester that impacts your ability to learn or complete assignments, please let me know. I am here to work with each and every one of you and help you master the material and learn to think and experiment like a developmental biologist.

Policies

-If you miss a class or plan to miss a class, please see me AND get notes from a classmate.

-This is an upper level course and you are expected to have a strong foundation in basic biology and chemistry. An understanding of basic genetics and/or cell biology will be very helpful. If you need more information or supplemental readings, please see me.

-Your understanding of the material will be evaluated as follows:

• Take-home mid-term exam (15%)
• Take-home assignments (50%)
• Departmental Seminar Summary (5%)
• Lab Notebook/Write-ups/Slides and presentation (10%)
• Lab Independent Project (10% for project proposal and lab work + 10% for presentation)
• Late work will be penalized -5 percentage points for each day late.