B20
Course Coordinator: 
Hiroshi Watanabe
Introductory Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Description: 

Examine the developmental process of multicellular organisms and how they have evolved through time, including specific molecular mechanisms at the genetic and cell signaling level. Learn about and use software and hardware techniques for researching development in animals. Discuss modern approaches and recent findings in the field through presentations and reports on specific issues in evolutionary developmental biology.  

Aim: 
This course presents the basic principles and recent findings in evolutionary developmental biology.
Course Content: 
  1. Animal phylogeny I
  2. Animal phylogeny II
  3. Gene homology
  4. Practice: Molecular Phylogeny
  5. Gene expression
  6. Signaling pathways I
  7. Signaling pathways II
  8. Research tools for EvoDevo I
  9. Research tools for EvoDevo II
  10. New Animal Models
Course Type: 
Elective
Credits: 
2
Assessment: 
Midterm Reports 70% (2 x 35%), Presentation 30%
Text Book: 
  • None; original papers will be supplied as required
Reference Book: 
  • Animal Evolution Interrelationships of the Living Phyla, 3 Edn, by Nielsen (2011) Oxford University Press
  • Developmental Biology, 11 Edn, by Gilbert and Barresi (2016) Sinauer
  • Evolutionary Transitions to Multicellular Life Principles and mechanisms, by Ruiz-Trillo and Nedelcu (2015) Springer
  • The Evolution of Organ Systems, by Schmidt-Rhaesa (2007) Oxford University Press
Prior Knowledge: 
No prior knowledge assumed
Notes: