Developmental Cell Biology (Life Sciences) (P01372)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-P01372

One aspect of biomedical research is the molecular and cellular basis of mammalian development. This is because the mechanisms underpinning the emergence of structure in embryos can go awry and so lead to a wide variety of diseases, particularly those with a congenital aspect. The aim of this course is thus to introduce some key topics of mammalian development that are both interesting in their own right and helpful in providing background to the other courses (the work on stem cells, animal models of disease, lineage and cell mechanisms is of particular importance here). The modules have been planned to provide students with sufficient knowledge of mammalian development and its associated cellular and molecular techniques that they can appreciate the interaction between contemporary research in the area and our understanding of disease. Here, a particular focus of the course is the use of mice that have been genetically modified and whose abnormal development gives insight into both normal and disease states.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Life Sciences, (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The aim of this course is to act as an elective research theme for the MSc/Diploma by Research in the Life Sciences Programme and to provide students with the opportunity to acquire relevant research skills and associated generic/transferable skills, in order to:

- provide students with thorough and specific preparation for 3 year PhD training in the life sciences;
- award an MSc by Research en route to the PhD;
provide an opportunity, if necessary or desirable, to exit from research training at the end of Year 1 with an Edinburgh Masters or Diploma by Research Degree in the Life Sciences