NWI-BB084B
Molecular Principles of Development
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleNWI-BB084B
Credits (ECTS)6
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Science; BioWetenschappen;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 2
Coordinator		dr. H. Marks
Other course modules lecturer
Examiner		dr. H. Marks
Other course modules lecturer
Contactperson for the course		dr. H. Marks
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer		dr. H. Marks
Other course modules lecturer
Lecturer		dr. K.W. Mulder
Other course modules lecturer
Academic year2019
Period
KW2  (04/11/2019 to 02/02/2020)
Starting block
KW2
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
At the end of the course:
  1. you understand the principles of animal development and the associated key terms and concepts, and are able to explain these terms and concepts in a way that demonstrates a correct understanding of the relevant molecular and developmental processes and mechanisms
  2. your are 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
Content
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.
Level

Presumed foreknowledge
The student is expected to have prior knowledge corresponding to the subject matter of the courses Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (BMB2) and Human Embryology and Developmental Biology (HEDB). Students who have not followed these courses are expected to address any deficiencies in prior knowledge using the following book chapters:
  • Harvey Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 7th edition, chapters 4, 7, 8, and 19
  • Bruce M. Carlson, Human Embryology and Developmental Biology, 4th edition, chapters 5 and 6
    • Test information
  • Mandatory participation in Questions and Answers (werkcolleges)
  • Mandatory participation in Practical
  • Mandatory participation in Computer practical
  • 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. Conform the rules and regulations of the Faculty of Science, it is required to have a minimum score of 5 for both the exam and the computer practical assignments, while the score for the total course should be 5.5 of higher to successfully pass the course.
    • Specifics
    This course will be taught in English. Due to the mandatory computer practical it is very difficult, if not impossible, to participate simultaneously in other activities / courses.
    Additional comments
    This course will be taught in English. Due to the mandatory computer practical it is very difficult, if not impossible, to participate simultaneously in other activities / courses.

    Topics
    The course activities allow students to attain the level of knowledge and understanding described in the course objectives.
    The lectures (10 x 2 hours) will introduce the following topics:

    • Basic concepts
    • Axis formation and induction of germ layers in vertebrates
    • The phenomenon of the Organizer
    • Morphogenesis
    • AP patterning
    • Organogenesis
    • Germ Cells
    • Stem Cells
    • Cell Differentiation
    • 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 mandatory test which contributes 20% to the final grade of the course.

    Test information
    • Mandatory participation in Questions and Answers (werkcolleges)
    • Mandatory participation in Practical
    • Mandatory participation in Computer practical
    • 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.
    Conform the rules and regulations of the Faculty of Science, it is required to have a minimum score of 5 for both the exam and the computer practical assignments, while the score for the total course should be 5.5 of higher to successfully pass the course.

    Prerequisites
    The student is expected to have prior knowledge corresponding to the subject matter of the courses Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II (BMB2) and Human Embryology and Developmental Biology (HEDB). Students who have not followed these courses are expected to address any deficiencies in prior knowledge using the following book chapters:
    • Harvey Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 7th edition, chapters 4, 7, 8, and 19
    • Bruce M. Carlson, Human Embryology and Developmental Biology, 4th edition,
    chapters 5 and 6

    Contact information
    • Dr. Hendrik Marks (e-mail: h.marks@ncmls.ru.nl)

    Required materials
    Book
    Lewis Wolpert, Cheryll Tickle, and Alfonso Martinez Arias, Principles of Development, 6th edition (2019).
    ISBN:9780198800569

    Instructional modes
    Course
    Attendance MandatoryYes

    Lab course
    Attendance MandatoryYes

    Lecture

    Practical computer training
    Attendance MandatoryYes

    Tutorial
    Attendance MandatoryYes

    Zelfstudie

    Tests
    Digital Exam
    Test weight4
    Test typeDigital exam with CIRRUS
    OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3

    Computer Test
    Test weight1
    Test typeDigital exam with CIRRUS
    OpportunitiesBlock KW2, Block KW3, Block KW4