DEV3022 · Developmental and anatomical basis of human health and disease

Overview

This unit explores developmental anatomy, including new insights into the molecular and foetal/maternal regulation of the development of major organ systems. You will consider how genetic and/or environmental anomalies during gestation can lead to developmental disorders. You will apply your knowledge of developmental processes to the understanding of cancer development, and learn how suboptimal events during the prenatal and postnatal periods can result in a range of chronic diseases in adulthood. You will have the opportunity to learn from world-leading experts and explore current and innovative research in developmental biology, cancer and anatomy. In completing this unit, you will further develop valuable employability skills including communication, critical thinking and research skills, which will help prepare you for a variety of career paths, such as biomedical research, medicine and allied health professions, and industry.

Areas of study: Developmental biology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the basic development and anatomy of major organs and organ systems;
2. Explain the molecular and environmental regulation of organogenesis of major organ systems;
3. Explain how errors or perturbations in genetic and/or environmental regulation of development can lead to developmental disorders and outline how suboptimal development can result in, or predispose to adult chronic disease;
4. Describe the relative contributions of endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm in the formation of the tissues and organs of the adult body;
5. Demonstrate experimental strategies and techniques used to identify and study organogenesis and the regulation of organogenesis;
6. Discuss and present studies in developmental biology and anatomy research.

Workload

12 hours per week with 6 hours of directed learning (consisting of a combination of online lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, pre/post-class activities) and 6 hours of self-directed study

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.