Developmental Biology
BIOL 218
Spring 2026
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01
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This is an extraordinary time for the field of Developmental Biology: advancements in imaging and experimental strategies, especially those that manipulate gene expression, have led to an explosion in the amount that we know about how an organism develops and how developmental programs are used also in the adult organism. Developmental Biology is a discipline that utilizes a variety of model organisms, and students will be introduced to some of these as we cover the mechanisms of development at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Special attention will be paid to the process of scientific discovery -- the experiments -- and students will engage with original research data throughout the course. We will also cover recent work that aims to understand very early human embryo development, and consider ethical and medical considerations that this work raises. Lectures, class discussion, and assignments will include opportunities for students to develop a broad and deep knowledge of developmental biology, gain understanding of the scientific process of inquiry, experimentation and interpretation, and develop skill in analytical and critical thinking and scientific writing. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM BIOL |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: BIOL182 OR MB&B182 OR BIOL182Z |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Biology)(Molecular Biology and Biochemistry)(Science and Technology Studies) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Core textbook: Developmental Biology, 13th edition, Barresi & Gilbert, ISBN 9780197574591 or 9780197574607 or 9780197574652. A copy is in the Science Library.
Select original research articles and opinion essays will be provided.
Lecture slides will also use images from various publications and: Essential Developmental Biology, 4thedition, Slack & Dale, ISBN: 9781119512851 or 9781119512844. A copy of this textbook is in the Science Library.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Weekly short assignments; 3 or 4 tests/exams (or assignments) |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Students will need a broad familiarity with basic molecular biology, transcription and translation (as presented in BIOL181), and basic development biology and evolution (as presented in BIOL182).
Class participation and attendance are required. |
| Instructor(s): Johnson,Ruth Times: .M.W... 10:50AM-12:10PM; Location: SCIE113; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 30 | | SR major: 4 | JR major: 10 | | |
| Seats Available: 11 | GRAD: 2 | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 10 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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