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| Instructor: | Marc Servetnick | ||||||||
| Office: | 167 Center for Natural Sciences | ||||||||
| Office phone: | 607-274-1274 | ||||||||
| E-mail: | servetni@ithaca.edu | ||||||||
| Office Hours: | Wednesday 2-4 pm, or by appointment | ||||||||
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Schedule |
Schedule |
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Course description
Developmental Biology is a one semester course covering the principles of embryonic development. The main course objectives are to:
• describe the major morphological features of embryonic development,We will examine embryonic development in both invertebrates and vertebrates, concentrating on several model systems, including sea urchins, frogs, worms, fruit flies, and mice. The course will include some examination of embryos and discussion of human assisted reproductive technology.
• describe how cells acquire specialized roles during development,
• understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cell differentiation,
• understand how the overall animal body plan is established,
• show how development reveals an underlying unity among diverse forms of life,
• understand major experimental approaches used in the study of development.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites for this course are Principles (or Fundamentals) of Biology, and Genetics. Students who have not had Genetics may be admitted if they have appropriate experience.
Meetings
Class meetings are MWF 11-12, and W 1-2. Wednesday 1-2 pm meetings will be used for demonstrations, exam reviews, and discussion of readings in assisted reproductive technology.
Policies
During class meetings, cell phones must be turned off. Use of
earphones during class or exams is not allowed. Students are responsible
for their own work, and are expected to follow the Standards of Academic
Conduct, as described in the Ithaca College Student Handbook, section 7.1.4.
(http://www.ithaca.edu/handbook.php).
Texts and readings
Texts:
• Developmental Biology (Gilbert, 8th edition, Sinauer 2006)Specific reading assignments are given for each lecture. The texts will be supplemented by readings, as noted in the syllabus. Additional readings may be assigned during the semester.
• Bioethics and the New Embryology: Springboards for Debate (Gilbert, Tyler and Zackin, editors, Sinauer 2005)
Demonstrations
Demonstrations are intended to provide opportunities for observation of living embryos, to better understand the three dimensional rearrangements that give rise to an adult organism. The demonstrations will also give you a feel for the timing of development and the size of embryos that cannot be conveyed in lecture.
Discussions
Many Wednesday 1 pm meetings will be devoted to discussion of reproductive
technology; we will discuss scientific issues as well as ethics and policy.
Each week, 2-3 students will lead the discussion; students will sign up
to lead a discussion early in the semester. Discussion leaders should encourage
discussion of that week’s topic, and will be expected to have looked for
recent articles related to the week’s topic, both to update the class and
to stimulate further discussion.
Grading The grade will be based on:
| two quizzes (20 pts each) | 40 | |
| two hourly exams (100 pts each) | 200 | |
| a final oral presentation (60 pts) | 60 | |
| leading a discussion | 25 | |
| discussion participation | 25 | |
| 350 |
E-mail
It is sometimes necessary (and often useful) for me to contact students
by e-mail; I will send messages to the entire class regarding reading assignments,
changes in the schedule, or events in the news. I will send messages
to your Ithaca College e-mail address only. Please check it
frequently, and make sure that your IC e-mailbox is not full. In
addition, please be sure to have your WebCT mail forwarded to an account
that you check regularly.
Articles (see Web CT)
Students with disabilities
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided
to students with documented disabilities on a case by case basis. Students
must register with the Office of Academic Support Services and provide
appropriate documentation to the college before any academic adjustment
will be provided.
Articles for lectures: