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    Overview

    Genetics and epigenetics of development and human disease. Developmental gene regulation. Developmental genetics of plants. Morphogenesis, regeneration and stem cells.

    The lecture course traverses four topics in developmental genetics. The first topic is evolution and development. The second topic is flowering time in plants, which will give you background in plant developmental genetics. The third topic will focus on chromatin structure and developmental disease, bringing in both epigenetic control of gene expression in development as well as introducing human aspects to developmental genetics. The final topic will focus on how structures are built in the vertebrate embryos, how they regenerate if damaged and the concepts and importance of stem cells for future medical applications.

    In the labs you will learn four important techniques - Immunohistochemistry, RNA interference, Genetic Screening and in-situ hybridisation - as well as introducing you to three new model organisms: the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; the chick; and the thale cress, Arabidopsis thaliana. The practical course will also focus on teaching you microscopy and imaging, key techniques in developmental genetics.

    About this paper

    Paper title Developmental Genetics
    Subject Genetics
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    GENE 223 and (GENE 221 or GENE 222)
    Schedule C
    Science
    Notes
    This paper includes additional non-streamed lab time that does not appear in the timetable. Please contact the department for further details.
    Eligibility
    Appropriate for students majoring in genetics, other biological and health sciences and molecular biotechnology.
    Contact

    genetics@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Convenor: Professor Richard Macknight (Department of Biochemistry)

    Other teaching staff:

    Professor Peter Dearden (Department of Biochemistry)

    Professor Julia Horsfield (Department of Pathology)

    Associate Professor Caroline Beck (Department of Zoology)

    Dr Gillian MacKay (Genetics Programme)

    Paper Structure

    The lecture course is divided into 4 lecture modules with 6 lectures in each module, and there are 4 lab modules.

    Teaching Arrangements

    All labs are held in the Genetics Laboratory, Room G09, Biochemistry building.
    GENE 314 Labs are held in the first half of Semester 2 (GENE 313 labs are held during the second half of semester 2).

    Lab streams are:
    Monday 2pm - 6pm / all day Tuesday or Thursday 2pm - 6pm / all day Friday (note you can attend lectures during the morning sessions).

    Textbooks

    Lecturers in this course will provide readings where appropriate via the eReserve link on blackboard, as there are no perfect texts for this paper. However, for a good, well rounded text to support or extend your learning we recommend checking out these from the library. They will be available on reserve from the Science library.

    Principles of Development, 5th ed 2015 by Wolpert, Tickle, Martinez-Arias.

    Developmental Biology 10th Ed. 2016 by Gilbert.

    Other useful texts include Essential Developmental Biology - 3rd Ed 2012 by Slack and earlier editions of the above. "Slack" can be found in the medical school library.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper should develop skills in modern developmental genetics including:

    • Development of an understanding of modern approaches to developmental genetics, including the logic of experiments and the inferences drawn from them.
    • Development of key skills in imaging and manipulating embryos in genetics experiments.
    • Gaining an understanding of the roles of cell signalling processes, epigenetics and morphogens in development.
    • To build an understanding of plant and animal development, both experimental and theoretical.
    • To develop skills in interpreting developmental genetic experimental data.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Wednesday 09:00-09:50 29-35, 37-42
    Thursday 09:00-09:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 14:00-17:50 30-34
    Tuesday 14:00-17:50 29-34
    A2 Thursday 14:00-17:50 30-34
    Friday 14:00-17:50 29-34
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