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Courses in Developmental Biology
Classical Developmental Biology
This course provides an introduction into the early development of vertebrate and invertebrate embryos. It is mostly descriptive to provide spatial cues
about the anatomy of most structures and organs. Particular emphasis is given to Dictyostelium discoideum, C. elegans, Drosophila, Xenopus, chick,
mouse, and plant.
Evolutionary Conservation of Developmental Mechanisms
This course focuses on the similarities and differences of developmental mechanisms between vertebrates and invertebrates. Invertebrates, such as
Drosophila and C. elegans, have allowed scientists to isolate many genes that are required for development through genetic screens.
Vertebrate homologs of many of these genes have been identified, and their role is now being studied through a variety of approaches, including
manipulations in chicken and Xenopus, as well as through mouse knock outs and classical mutagenesis. The view of vertebrate and invertebrate
developmental biologists on a series of topics like segmentation, Hox and Polycomb-group genes, limb development, and cell death is presented in this
course. In addition, the lecturers discuss and compare the function of proteins required for specific development pathways in invertebrates and involved in
tumorigenesis in vertebrates. Finally, discussions on the evolution of development, conservation versus divergence are held.
Neural Development
Topics in neural development are presented with a particular focus on molecular genetic studies. Most importantly, this course integrates knowledge about
molecular patterning of the nervous system with developmental neuroscience using a cross-species approach. The development of the central and peripheral
nervous systems in vertebrate and invertebrate species is discussed, focusing on how conserved molecular strategies have been utilized in these disparate
organisms. The biochemical and genetic basis for neural plasticity, the role of neurotrophic factors in neural development, and the molecular mechanisms of
growth cone guidance and synapse formation in invertebrates and vertebrates are also discussed.
Topics in Development
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to some current topics in developmental biology, to improve the student's ability to read and
interpret primary literature, and to improve the student's skills in presenting scientific data. Students are expected to critically evaluate and interpret
data in assigned papers prior to attending class. Each student makes two presentations during the course. Grading in the class is based on take home essay
questions, class participation, and presentations. Topics discussed include sex determination, epithelial morphogenesis and cancer, hematopoietic and
cardiac development, vertebrate kidney development, skin cancer, and nuclear hormone receptors.
Seminar in Developmental Biology
The purpose of this course is to guide the students into learning how to approach scientific literature directly. Students are expected to read the primary
literature and lead discussions in a group setting. Students in the Program in Developmental Biology participate in this seminar every term during their
stay at Baylor.
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