BIOMG 6610

Development and Evolution

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

This course explores the molecular and genetic pathways and mechanisms that regulate animal development, and how they are modified through evolution to result in the dazzling array of forms and functions seen in the animal kingdom. The recent and exciting combining of developmental biology with evolutionary perspectives has prompted rethinking of many biological concepts. We will explore these in detail by considering the results and implications of the latest "EvoDevo" research.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: BIOEE 1780, BIOMG 2800 and BIOMG 3300, or BIOMG 3320 or BIOMG 3350.

Comments Strongly recommended prerequisite: BIOMG 1350. BIOMG 3850 is helpful but not required.

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the developmental pathways that specify body form, and how they are used and integrated across organisms, including recognizing: a. where and how these developmental pathways and genes are expressed, used, re-used, and co-opted to result in diverse phenotypes across animals (and, in one lecture, plants – if time permits). b. how these pathways and their use can be integrated into a phylogenetic context. c. the underlying molecular/genetic regulatory mechanisms, and their modifications that result in developmental diversity.
• Interpret, and analyze critically, current and "classic" ideas, methods, results and hypotheses in EvoDevo, via readings and lecture/discussion of scientific research papers.
• Experience articulating ideas, results and concepts in EvoDevo. Specifically: (BioMG4610) Be able to articulate orally or (briefly) in writing ideas, results and concepts in EvoDevo, and integrating these, and possibly suggesting follow-up research questions. (BioMG6610) Be able to articulate ideas, results and concepts, synthesizing and presenting complete stories on EvoDevo topics, and developing research and informational questions about the material.
• Identify intellectual connections across the content of this course with information that you learned in other biology courses.

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