| At the end of the course:
- the student understands the principles of animal development and the associated key terms and concepts, and is able to explain these terms and concepts in a way that demonstrates a correct understanding of the relevant molecular and developmental processes and mechanisms
- the student is able to interpret and evaluate experimental results (such as embryonic expression patterns and phenotypes) demonstrated by the ability to derive and justify meaningful and legitimate conclusions from experimental data
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The development of the fertilized egg, a single cell, into a sophisticated multicellular organism is one of the most dynamic, complex and fascinating phenomena in biology. Embryogenesis entails many processes: changes in differentiation potential (competence), regional specification, patterning, and morphogenesis to name a few. These complex processes are highly dynamic and strongly regulated. Major discoveries have been made regarding the mechanisms underlying normal development; the 2012 Nobel prize for physiology or medicine was awarded for the discovery that cells can be reprogrammed, which is a dramatic reset of cellular potency.
Cells can be induced to adopt a state of pluripotency, but can also transdifferentiate to other cell types. These discoveries are relevant for regenerative medicine and have spurred a renewed interest in the regulatory mechanisms of embryogenesis. The course links genes, gene products and pathways to the complex processes underlying developmental biology.
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 This course will be taught in EnglishDue to the mandatory computer practical it is very difficult, if not impossible, to participate simultaneously in other activities / courses.
Contact:
• Dr. Leonie Kamminga (E-mail: l.kamminga@science.ru.nl)
• Prof. dr. Gert Jan Veenstra (E-mail: g.veenstra@science.ru.nl)
Please note that due to the preparations of the practical part, you need to register for this course at least 4 week before the start |
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The course activities allow students to attain the level of knowledge and understanding described in the course objectives.
The lectures (12 x 2 hours) will introduce the following topics:
• Patterning the body plan
• Axis formation and induction of germ layers in vertebrates
• The phenomenon of the Organizer
• Morphogenesis
• The germ line
• Potency, stemness and differentiation: Lessons from cell-based systems
• Evolution and development
The Questions & Answers (Q&A) sessions (tutorial, also known as “werkcollege”; 4 x 2 hours) are designed to provide a deeper insight in each of these topics and increase exam readiness. Students are expected to prepare answers to questions associated with the book chapters / lecture topics before the Q&A session or during the first hour of the Q&A session.
During the second hour of the Q&A session the answers to the questions will be discussed plenary with contribution of the students. Attendance of the second hour of the Q&A sessions is mandatory.The computer practical complements the students’ knowledge of the molecular aspects of developmental biology and is designed to obtain an integrative understanding of gene regulation in embryonic development. To this end students will analyze in situ hybridization experiments showing embryos representing several stages of zebrafish development.
You will learn to differentiate between developmental stages, assess gene expression patterns, consequences of deregulation of genes, and complex functional interactions between genes. The computer practical trains students for both course objectives, in particular course objective 2. The computer practical itself is formative in nature (training not assessment, participation is mandatory), however it will be concluded with a test which contributes 20% to the final grade of the course. |
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• Mandatory participation in Questions and Answers (werkcolleges )
• Mandatory participation in Computer practical, sufficient score
• The extent to which students have attained the course objectives will be tested with a written exam with open questions and with computer practical assignments. The exam will contribute 80% to the final grade; the remaining 20% is comprised of computer practical assignments. Use of an English-Dutch dictionary is allowed during the written exam |
Human Embryology and Developmental Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IIStudents who have not followed these courses need to address any deficiencies in prior knowledge using the following book chapters:
• Bruce M. Carlson, Human Embryology and Developmental Biology, 4th edition, chapters 5, 6
• Harvey Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 7th edition, chapters 4, 7, 8, and 19 |
| Lewis Wolpert, Cheryll Tickle, and Alfonso Martinez Arias, Principles of Development, 5th edition, (2015); ISBN 978-0-19-967814-3 |
• 21 hours computer course
• 24 hours lecture
• 7 hours laboratory course
• 24 hours problem session
• 92 hours individual study period |
| | Verplicht materiaalBoek| Lewis Wolpert, Cheryll Tickle, and Alfonso Martinez Arias, Principles of Development, 5th edition, (2015) |
| ISBN | : | | 9780199678143 |
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WerkvormenComputerpracticum| Aanwezigheidsplicht | | Ja |
| Cursus| Aanwezigheidsplicht | | Ja |
| Hoorcollege
| Practicum| Aanwezigheidsplicht | | Ja |
| Werkcollege| Aanwezigheidsplicht | | Ja |
| Zelfstudie
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ToetsenTentamen| Weging | | 1 |
| Toetsvorm | | Tentamen |
| Gelegenheden | | Blok KW2, Blok KW3 |
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