NBIK10020U Developmental Biology
See under "Learning Outcome".
By attending the course the student will achieve:
Knowledge:
The course provides the student with a detailed and comprehensive
general knowledge of developmental biology with particular emphasis
on medical implications such as the latest advances within stem
cell therapeutics. The course provides knowledge of the most widely
used models for developmental biology and the student get practical
experience with light microscopy of gametes, invertebrate embryos,
as well as sections and whole mount preparations of vertebrate
embryos.
Skills:
The course covers theoretical knowledge of the basic principles for
experimental embryology, including those of fertilization,
development and differentiation in the early embryo, gene
regulation, cell-cell communication, cell migration, neural crest
differentiation and –specialization, axis specification,
development of limbs and organs, sex determination and
metamorphosis. Special emphasis is on the medical implications of
developmental biology, including identification of genetic defects
resulting in congenital syndromes, teratogenesis, stem cell
biology, reproductive and therapeutic cloning as well as
developmental approaches to cancer therapy.
The course provides the student with sufficient knowledge to
address and discuss the consequences of advances within these areas
for the society.
Competencies:
The student is competent to understand, interpret and integrate the
complexity of developmental biology.
See Absalon.
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 4
- Lectures
- 28
- Practical exercises
- 6
- Preparation
- 146
- Theory exercises
- 22
- Total
- 206
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written examination, 4 hours under invigilationThe course is evaluated by a four hour written exam without the use of any aids graded according to the Danish 7-step-scale. External grading.
The reexam will be held as the ordinary exam. - Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment
In order to obtain the grade 12 (top grade for excellence) the student must be able to:
- Describe and explain principles and model systems in experimental embryology as well as evaluate their usefulness in solving specific problems, for instance based on original research papers.
- Demonstrate insight into methods and models for studying differential gene expression.
- Describe and detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms in cell-cell interaction and signal transduction and integrate these to an overall understanding of embryonic development.
- Describe the basic cellular and molecular prerequisites for fertilization and explain potentials and limits of in vitro fertilization and other manipulations of the fertilization process.
- Describe early embryonic development (e.g. fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation) in invertebrates (such as sea urchins) and vertebrates (such as amphibians, birds and mammals), and generalize and contrast developmental patterns and –processes in selected model organisms.
- Describe later development and differentiation of ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm and their derivatives. Detail development of limbs, organs (for instance heart and kidneys), blood cells, circulatory system and nervous system.
- Interpret light microscopic samples of germ cells and early developmental stages of selected model organisms.
- Describe primary and secondary sex determination.
- Describe and explain postembryonic development, including metamorphosis (amphibians), breast gland development (mammals), regeneration and aging.
- Define and categorize stem cells, progenitors and differentiated cells and compare their potentials and limits. Integrate this knowledge to an understanding of cloning strategies and a critical evaluation of its application in regenerative biology.
- Demonstrate insight into the medical implications of
developmental biology, including genetic aberrations/syndromes,
teratogenesis, cancer therapy and regenerative medicine. Based on
the acquired skills at a qualified level evaluate and criticize
novel achievements within these areas.
Grading according to the Danish 7-step-scale system: - 12 (excellent; equivalent to "A" in the ECTS-scale). The student has demonstrated a high level of command of all aspects with no or only a few minor weaknesses.
- 7 (good; equivalent to "C" in the ECTS-scale). The student has demonstrated a good command with some weaknesses.
- 02 (adequate; equivalent to "E" in the ECTS-scale). The student has demonstrated the minimum requirements for acceptance.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NBIK10020U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- B (Mon 8-12 + Tues 13-17 + Fri 8-12)
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Biology and Animal Science
Contracting department
- Department of Biology
Course responsibles
- Lone Rønnov-Jessen (14-7278757474757c33706b79796b7446686f7534717b346a71)
Lecturers
Ian H. Lambert, Stine Falsig Pedersen, Søren Tvorup Christensen and Anders Aspberg