Course Description

Modern Developmental Biology course covers the molecular mechanisms that regulate vertebrate embryonic development from conserved evolutionary processes to defects and genetic mutations in human development and disease. Focus will be on highlighting emerging new technologies and new concepts and how to critically evaluate scientific data, rather than learning “facts”.  Consequently, live virtual participation and active discussion by students will be a key element of the course.  We hope this course will be valuable for students considering graduate level training/future careers in cell/developmental biology, or genetics. 

The text will be used as a reference and guide for understanding basic background. Class lectures will be aimed at learning to think critically, discerning the limits of current understanding, developing skill sets for analyzing and critiquing data and developing new questions.

Learner Outcomes

When you complete the course successfully, you will be able to:

• Expand on knowledge of cell biology in growth and development of complex organisms.
• Advance understanding of developmental processes, consequences of genetic mutations and genetic origin of human disease. 
• Strengthen communication skills for critical evaluation and presentation of the scientific literature.

Microcredential(s)

This course applies toward the Biomedical Sciences Endeavor digital badge.

Textbook Information

A textbook is available for this course. 

Click here to view a textbook list for FAES courses and purchasing information. Please note that tuition does not include textbooks.