University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Lectures: 11.00 am Mon, Tue and Wed Practicals: to be arranged.

This module deals with the fascinating and rapidly changing field of Developmental Biology. It examines how an organism develops from an egg to an adult (including instances of metamorphosis), as well as how lost or damaged body parts can be regenerated. Also the interactions between development and ecology and evolution will be considered. There will be a focus on some of the typical model species used in developmental biology, including fruit flies, nematodes, mice and frogs, but this will be expanded to include other valuable comparative models, such as sea squirts, annelids, cnidarians and flatworms. The course will encompass multiple biological levels, from molecules, through cells and embryos, to the environment and the organism's evolutionary history. As such this module is of wide relevance to a range of other biological disciplines.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass 2 modules from {BL2301, BL2302, BL2304, BL2308}

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 x 1-hour lectures ( x11 weeks) and 2 x 15-hour practicals, split over several days, during the semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 63

Guided independent study hours: 137

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 66%, Coursework = 34%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 66%
Practical examinations : 34%
Coursework: 0%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 66%, Existing Coursework = 34%

Personnel