This course integrates evolutionary, ecological and molecular perspectives to investigate how animals and plants develop and interact with their environment. The course will cover following topics: developmental regulatory genes (including signalling pathways and transcription factors), morphogenesis, maintenance of homeostasis, regeneration, interaction with biotic and abiotic environmental factors, plasticity, stem cells and transdifferentiation, genetic and genomic basis of evolution of multicellularity and body forms. The practical section will expose students to modern techniques used in developmental biology research using plant and animal model systems. The course should appeal to students interested in molecular biology or biomedicine as well as those interested in organismal biology.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Explain the molecular and genetic background of animal and plant development;
- Describe evolutionary history of complex multicellular life forms;
- Compare environmental influence on development and homeostasis of animals and plants;
- Interpret, analyse and present experimental results and conclusions in a scientific manner.
- Critically assess and present current scientific literature on topics related to ecological and evolutionary developmental biology.
Indicative Assessment
- Report from practical 1 (20%) - LO1, LO4
- Seminar and abstract from practical 2 (20%) - LO3, LO4
- Journal club presentation (20%) - LO 1-4
- Final Exam (40%) - LO 1-3
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Two one-hour lectures per week, one one-hour tutorial per week, ten three-hour laboratory practicals or workshops over the semester.Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3866 | 25 Feb 2019 | 04 Mar 2019 | 31 Mar 2019 | 31 May 2019 | In Person | View |
