PROFESSOR: Dr. B. Brandhorst                   Office: SSB8174 (Phone: 291-4627)

PREREQUISITES: BISC 202, BICH 221 (or BISC 201), and BICH 222 (or BISC 331). (May not be taken for credit in addition to BISC 203).

Description:

The course will consider experimental and comparative approaches to understanding the mechanisms of embryonic development of several animals having common and distinctive features including: vertebrates, insects, echinoderms, nematodes, and ascidians. Topics will include:

1. Introduction to embryos. Basic events and mechanisms of development.
2. Genomic equivalence and differential gene expression. Cellular differentiation.
3. Gamete structure and gametogenesis.
4. Fertilization and the initiation of development.
5. Cleavage: patterns and control.
6. Morphogenetic processes: Gastrulation, neurulation, organ formation.
7. Autonomous specification of cell fate by cytoplasmic determinants.
8. Axis specification and pattern formation in insect embryos; morphogenetic gradients.
9. Specification of cell fate by cell-cell interactions; induction.

Other topics and associated readings may be added and are likely to include: vertebrate limb formation, metamorphosis and elaboration of the insect body plan, and the relationship of development to evolution.

Tutorials:

The tutorial is designed to facilitate understanding of lecturesand text, especially the experimental methods used. You can attend whichever section is most convenient, but you must be assigned to a section to register.

Evaluation:

Evaluation will be based on the performance on 2 class tests(30%) and a final exam (40%). The tests/exam include short answerquestions and short essays which require a capacity to interpretexperimental data and propose experimental tests of hypotheses. Exams will cover the entire course to that point, but will emphasize materialcovered since the previous exam.