This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2024-2025 (archived)
Module BIOL2471: DEVELOPMENT
Department: Biosciences
BIOL2471: DEVELOPMENT
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 2 | 20 | Available in 2024/2025 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- Level 1 Genetics BIOL1171.
Corequisites
- At least one other Level 2 Biological Sciences module.
Excluded Combinations
- 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 Hours | Attendance 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 | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 100% | 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.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.