Embryology/Developmental Biology
BS 4214
Course description:
The study of the basic principles of the development of all levels of organization of organisms.
Prerequisites: BS1144 and BS1154
Textbook:
Analysis of Biological Development. Klaus Kalthoff. Second Edition. WBC/McGraw-Hill Press, Boston, MA 2001.
Rationale:
Embryology examines living organisms in a very different manner to other areas of biology; rather than examine adult structures, developmental biology seeks to explain how these structures come about. The organization of an entire organism from a single, undifferentiated cell is a remarkable and complex feat. This course provides an overview of important developmental issues, questions, and approaches to study. As an upper level course, this course also seeks to test and reinforce critical thinking, experimental design, and scientific writing skills through student-planned experiments and accompanying lab reports. The success of many of the laboratory exercises requires thoughtful, responsible design and follow-up, including monitoring of projects outside of class time.
Course objectives:
1. to develop an understanding of the approach used by developmental biologists and embryologists
2. to develop a sufficient background for those students who wish to study more advanced scientific topics
3. to develop an understanding of important issues and questions in embryology and developmental biology
4. to provide familiarity with the requirements for scientific writing
5. to improve student’s ability and confidence in designing, executing, and interpreting research projects
Course Requirements:
Attendance and completion of all exams is mandatory. Students are accountable for all class assignments, class announcements, handouts, and information provided in lecture. After three lecture or lab absences, a student’s course grade will be reduced by 5% for each additional absence. If more than six lectures or labs are missed, the student will be asked to drop the course or receive a failing grade. Failure to clean up a work station following lab will result in a loss of 5 points for every student working at that station.
Please arrive on time to lab! You will not be allowed to stay late to work because you have arrived late and need extra time.
If you must miss an exam or lab, then you must contact me as quickly as possible. It is always better to contact me before rather than after an absence if you know in advance that you must miss class (if you notify me in advance, it will be easier to receive approval for a makeup). Please provide a substantive excuse (e.g., a doctor’s note). Do not assume that you will be able to make up an exam. Additionally, please do not ask to postpone an exam on the day of the exam. If you have other exams on the same day, bring it to my attention before the exam date. Please note that it will be impossible to make up some labs. Your grade will be lowered 5 points for each day that an assignment is late.
Students are expected and required to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty in this and all courses. Students should be familiar with the College's policies concerning academic integrity Catalog, page 52; Student Handbook, page 32, section VII). Students requiring any clarification of these policies should consult their academic advisor or the Office of Academic Affairs.
Evaluation:
Lecture Exam I 50 pts
Lecture Exam II 100 pts
Lecture Exam III 100 pts
Final Exam 200 pts
Lab notebook 50 pts
Lab reports 50 pts
Lab Practical I 25 pts
Lab Practical II 25 pts
Total 900 pts
Instructor: Ann V. Paterson
Phone: (870) 759-4171
E-mail: apaterson@wbcoll.edu
