Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Biomedical Sciences School
The fundamental principles of developmental biology continue to come to the fore in modern biomedicine as searches for new therapeutic strategies gather pace.Tissue regeneration, stem cell therapies, artificial organs, replacement joints, skin transplants, dental implants, and in vitro fertilisation are just some of the advances dependent on a thorough understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of early human development. In this course, we explore the basic principles of how embryos develop the complex arrays of cells, tissues and organs that contribute to a healthy functioning human. You will be introduced to the amazing array of technologies and model animal systems that are driving modern biomedicine. This course offers an opportunity to stay abreast of this flourishing field and to enable you to better grasp new therapies and research directions in the next 20 years.
The fundamental principles of developmental biology continue to come to the fore in modern biomedicine as searches for new therapeutic strategies gather pace. Tissue regeneration, stem cell therapies, artificial organs, replacement joints, skin transplants, dental implants, and in vitro fertilisation are just some of the medical advances dependent on a thorough understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of early human development. In this course, we explore the basic principles of how embryos develop the complex arrays of cells, tissues and organs that contribute to a healthy functioning organism. You will be introduced to the amazing array of technologies and model animal systems that are driving modern biomedicine. This course offers an opportunity to stay abreast of this flourishing field and to enable you to better grasp new therapies and research directions in the next 20 years. Moreover, DEVB2000 is an important foundational course for advanced 3rd year developmental biology courses: DEVB3001- Developmental Neurobiology and DEVB3002 - Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOL2200
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
BIOM2011 or BIOM2013 or BIOC2000 or BIOL2202 or BIOL2902
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
BIOM2208
Course contact
School enquiries
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Hayden Homer
Associate Professor Rodrigo Suarez
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide an understanding of how molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and morphology are integrated and controlled in order to orchestrate development. Completion of this course will provide a solid foundation for more advanced studies in biomedical sciences, and developmental biology in particular.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply the basic principles of stem cell biology and cellular differentiation, and modern genetic and cellular methods, to explore the major questions facing the discipline of developmental biology.
LO2.
Explain how a cell comes to express only a subset of all possible transcripts and hence differentiate into a more specialised cell.
LO3.
Recognise how interaction with the local environment and neighbouring cells influences individual cells to cooperate to produce form.
LO4.
Generalise how the basic body plan is established.
LO5.
Reflect on the usefulness of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms as models for the study of mammalian developmental biology and evaluate their benefits and limitations for generating new and relevant knowldge.
LO6.
Achieve demonstrated competency in some basic observational and experimental techniques in developmental biology.
LO7.
Recognise the importance of foundational developmental biology principles and knowledge in the development of cutting-edge cell therapies, understanding developmental and adult disease, and in informing public policy and health care practices.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Quiz 1
|
10% |
21/08/2024 - 22/08/2024
Access to the quizzes will open at 1:00pm and close at 1:00pm on the following day. |
| Quiz |
Online Quiz 2
|
5% |
18/09/2024 - 19/09/2024
Access to the quizzes will open at 1:00pm and close at 1:00pm on the following day. |
| Quiz |
Online Quiz 3
|
5% |
23/10/2024 - 24/10/2024
Access to the quizzes will open at 1:00pm and close at 1:00pm on the following day. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Practical 2 Assessment
|
20% |
16/09/2024
Due 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Practical 3 Assessment
|
20% |
9/10/2024
Due 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Online Quiz 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
21/08/2024 - 22/08/2024
Access to the quizzes will open at 1:00pm and close at 1:00pm on the following day.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L07
Task description
First online quiz - covers material from weeks 1-4 AND questions pertaining to the first online practical.
Quiz 1 will be available through Blackboard. Details of the quiz format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both can be unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment by, for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into BlackBoard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Online Quiz 2
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
18/09/2024 - 19/09/2024
Access to the quizzes will open at 1:00pm and close at 1:00pm on the following day.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Second online quiz - covers lecture material from weeks 5-8.
Quiz 2 will be available through Blackboard. Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both can be unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment by, for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into BlackBoard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Online Quiz 3
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
23/10/2024 - 24/10/2024
Access to the quizzes will open at 1:00pm and close at 1:00pm on the following day.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
Third online quiz - covers lecture material from weeks 9-12.
Quiz 3 will be available through Blackboard. Further details of the assessment format and marking criteria will be provided on Blackboard during the semester.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
We recommend that you do not use the Blackboard Phone App nor a wireless network connection when completing this Blackboard assessment. Both can be unstable and could affect your ability to complete your Blackboard assessment by, for example:
- you may lose connectivity and lose the work you have completed;
- your submission could indicate you have completed your assessment task, but nothing has been delivered into BlackBoard.
Please ensure that you only use a reliable internet connection.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Practical 2 Assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
16/09/2024
Due 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L07
Task description
This assignment will consist of a written report based on both lecture material and experiences from the mouse IVF prac (practical 2). More details of this assessment will be provided on Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct . To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website , to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
Upon submission of the Practical 2 Assessment, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Practical 3 Assessment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
9/10/2024
Due 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This assignment will consist of a written report based on your visit to the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (Practical 3). More details of this assessment will be provided on Blackboard.
Upon submission of the Practical 3 Assessment, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct . To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, with the electronic coversheet available on the School's website , to Turnitin by the submission deadline. You may submit drafts to Turnitin up to the due date, but you will only be able to submit once on or after the due date. You should also keep an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties uploading your submission, please email a copy of your assessment to sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au so this can be logged on your behalf before the due date.
Upon submission of the Practical 3 Assessment, you should check in the Turnitin Assignment Inbox page that your report was submitted successfully.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Requests for extension must be made prior to the submission deadline, even if you are awaiting your supporting documentation. Late requests for extension will not be accepted for consideration unless you provide evidence of exceptional circumstances preventing you from submitting a request prior to the deadline, e.g., due to hospitalisation.
If you have been granted an extension, then the assessment specified late submission penalty in the table above will apply to submissions made after the due date of the approved extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
The number of questions/marks on the final exam by any given lecturer in the course will be proportional to the amount of content delivered by that lecturer. Details of the examination format will be provided in class and on the course Blackboard site during the semester.
The exam will be a closed book invigilated exam held on campus, undertaken via the Inspera eAssessment platform.
Students will be required to bring a laptop to the exam that meets the device requirements for Inspera. It is important that you check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for using the Inspera Assessment platform. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. The Library website Get familiar with Inspera provides the latest information for students about using Inspera. Further information about the exam will be provided on Blackboard, and practice opportunities will be available throughout the semester.
Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct .
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 0% - 29% |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 30% - 44% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 45% - 49% |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
No assessment items are compulsory. A mark of zero will be recorded if an assessment item is not submitted. Penalties apply for late submission unless there is an approved extension date.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
School of Biomedical Sciences Assessment Guidelines
- Assessment due dates and times listed are Brisbane local (AEST) time.ﾠ
- All assessment results will be available via the Blackboard site (learn.uq.edu.au ) via My Grades.
- If you require further feedback on your performance in examinations, you can email the Student and Academic Administration Team at sbms@enquire.uq.edu.au
Information onﾠapplying for an assessment extensionﾠcan be found on the Applying for an extension website.
Information onﾠapplying for a deferred examﾠcan be found on the Deferring an exam website.
Information onﾠassessment re-mark requestsﾠcan be found on the Querying a result website.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | It is a requirement that ALL students wear a clean white laboratory coat (or disposable gown for dissection classes as directed), safety glasses, fully-enclosed shoes, and their student identification cards when in the Gross Anatomy Facility. Students WILL NOT be permitted in the laboratory (including their first laboratory session), without these items. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the UQ bookshop. Each student must have their UQ Student Identification Card visibly displayed above the waist. While public health directions no longer require face masks to be worn, they are recommended when you cannot physically distance, you are a vulnerable person or caring for vulnerable people. Please note that cloth masks are not acceptable in laboratory classes in the School of Biomedical Sciences. PPE and identification card holders can be purchased from the School Locker. | own item needed |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Practical |
MidSemester BREAK |
|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Principles of Developmental Biology - I [KEY] |
Lecture |
Principles of Developmental Biology - II [KEY] |
|
Lecture |
Principles of Developmental Biology - III [KEY] |
|
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Stem Cells - I [SIMMONS] |
Lecture |
Stem Cells - II [SIMMONS] |
|
Lecture |
Stem Cells - III [SIMMONS] |
|
Practical |
Self-Organisation Practical [KEY] Practical ONLINE ONLY G1 - Wednesday 2-5pm |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Differential Gene Expression - I [SIMMONS] |
Lecture |
Differential Gene Expression - II [SIMMONS] |
|
Lecture |
Differential Gene Expression - III [SIMMONS] |
|
Practical |
TASQ Site Visit [SIMMONS / WILLIAMS] Site vist to Transgenic Animal Services Queensland (TASQ) located in AIBN G1 - Wednesday 2-5pm |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Developmental Model Systems - I [SIMMONS] |
Lecture |
Developmental Model Systems - II [SIMMONS] |
|
Lecture |
Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Early Development - V [HOMER] IVF (Online Only) |
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Techniques in Developmental Biology - I [SIMMONS] |
Lecture |
Techniques in Developmental Biology - II [SIMMONS] |
|
Lecture |
Early Development - I [HOMER] Ovarian Biology and Oocyte Aging |
|
Practical |
IVF Demonstration Practical I [SIMMONS / WILLIAMS] Mouse Gamate Cryopreservation and IVF Techniques Demonstration/Practical G1 - Wednesday 2-5pm |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Early Development - II [SIMMONS] Fertilisation |
Lecture |
Early Development - III [SIMMONS] Blastocyst Formation |
|
Lecture |
Early Development - IV [HOMER] Infertility |
|
Practical |
IVF Demonstration Practical II[SIMMONS / WILLIAMS] Mouse Gamate Cryopreservation and IVF Techniques Demonstration/Practical G1 - Wednesday 2-5pm |
|
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Concepts in Tissue Morphogenesis - I [Key] |
Lecture |
Concepts in Tissue Morphogenesis - II [KEY] |
|
Lecture |
Concepts in Tissue Morphogenesis - III [KEY] |
|
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Concepts in Tissue Morphogenesis - IV [KEY] |
Lecture |
Concepts in Tissue Morphogenesis - V [KEY] |
|
Lecture |
Concepts in Tissue Morphogenesis - VI [KEY] |
|
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Germ Layers and Gastrulation - I [KEY] |
Lecture |
Germ Layers and Gastrulation - II [KEY] |
|
Lecture |
Germ Layers and Gastrulation - III [KEY] |
|
Practical |
IPLC Site Vist [SIMMONS] Goddard (08) G1 - Wednesday 2-4:30pm |
|
Mid Sem break |
Lecture |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Neural Tube Formation - I [WHITE] Neural Tube Formation I |
Lecture |
Neural Tube Formation - II [WHITE] |
|
Lecture |
Neural Tube Formation - III [WHITE] |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Evo Devo I [SUAREZ] |
Lecture |
Evo Devo - II [SUAREZ] |
|
Lecture |
Evo Devo - III [SUAREZ] |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Environmental Effects on Development - I [DEKKER] |
Lecture |
Environmental Effects on Development - II [DEKKER] |
|
Lecture |
Environmental Effects on Development -III [DEKKER] |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Free Week |
Lecture |
Lecture Free Week |
|
Lecture |
Lecture Free Week |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.