Developmental Biology

This required course for S6 explores the fundamental processes of embryonic development.

The course will cover all the major stages of embryogenesis, such as the establishment of axes, gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis, as well as basic concepts: induction, determination, differentiation, morphogenesis, etc.

The course will focus on a molecular and cellular interpretation of developmental processes, as well as on the importance of an evolutionary approach to embryogenesis. 

The course will therefore consistently draw connections between its various disciplines, as well as with the material covered in genetics courses.

The lectures will present the main principles by focusing on the two best-understood models of development in vertebrates (amphibians) and invertebrates (flies), while also including a historical perspective; the seminars, meanwhile, will be devoted to evolutionary aspects (comparison of different modes of development and understanding the logic of evolutionary constraints), as well as on experimental approaches in modern molecular and cellular developmental biology.

- Knowledge:

• Molecular Biology:

- Apply the concepts of genetic program regulation in the context of physiological processes

• Cell Biology:

-Understand and grasp the key concepts underlying the functioning of signaling systems

-Understand the impact of an interaction between a ligand and its receptor (conformational change, activation, etc.)

-Be familiar with the major signal routes

-Understand how certain signaling mechanisms can be analyzed, particularly using Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques

-Expertise:

• Molecular Biology:

- Understand the application of molecular biology and genetics techniques to the practical study of biological systems

• Cell Biology: Be able to read and interpret results obtained through experimental approaches such as Western blots and immunofluorescence.

-Interpersonal skills:

• Understand the various concepts presented and use them to formulate hypotheses about how molecular and cellular processes work
• Be able to connect the various molecular mechanisms presented
• Communicate with teachers and other students to complete reflective exercises. Be able to formulate a hypothesis based on one’s knowledge.

•Be able to summarize how a molecular mechanism works using a schematic diagram

Cellular and Molecular Biology 1 and 2, Genetics