Developmental Biology

Learn fundamental principles and key concepts in the developmental processes of animal organisms. One model system is Drosophila, looking at embryonic development of body plan patterning and subsequent organogenesis. Another model is vertebrate neural development in zebrafish, looking at vertebrate body plan, cell fate decisions, neuronal specification, axon guidance and targeting, and synaptogenesis. Extend these bases by practical exercises using genetic tools for live imaging of fluorescence-labeled cells using Drosophila and zebrafish embryos. Debate specific topics in developmental biology and apply these findings by writing a mock grant application. Occasional guest lectures on special topics.