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BIOL2471: DEVELOPMENT

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Type	Open
Level	2
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location	Durham
Department	Biosciences

Prerequisites

Level 1 Genetics BIOL1171.

Corequisites

At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

None

Aims

To introduce the mechanisms which generate the three dimensional organisation of multicellular organisms.
To introduce the mechanisms that generate cellular diversity in plants and animals.
To examine model developmental systems.

Content

The bases of developmental processes; germ layer theory, stem cells.
Gene regulation as a determining factor in development.
Developmental signalling pathways.
Model systems for developmental processes.
Morphogenesis.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Knowledge of different model systems for studying development, and their individual characteristics.
Knowledge of the origin and properties of stem cells in plants and animals.
Knowledge of embryonic structures and tissue development in animals.
Knowledge of plant development and its underlying mechanisms.

Subject-specific Skills:

Interpretation of experimental data showing the changing distribution of cellular components during development.
Basic tissue culture of animal and plant material, and manipulation of developmental outcomes for cells.

Key Skills:

Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line archives.
Communication skills, using the written word and graphics, involved in development practical reports.
Team work.
Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
Practical Exercises allow students to utilise subject-specific knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
Tutorials give enhancement of the student learning experience, supporting attainment of all learning outcomes.
Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
Practical Exercises are based on subject-specific knowledge and demonstrate subject-specific skills in understanding experimental work and data analysis, as well as key skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Lectures	24	Weekly	2 hours p/w	24
Practical Exercises	3	1 or 2 per term	4 hours	12	Yes
Workshops	4	1 per term	1 hour	4	Yes
Tutorials	2	1 per term	1 hour	2	Yes
Preparation & Reading				158
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Practical skills & data handling		50	Yes
Data interpretation & communication		50	Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be provided to develop the skills for each summative assessment as appropriate.

More information

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