Developmental biology and genetics

Course goals

Admission Requirements
This course is only open to third-year students enrolled in a biomedical or molecular biology-related bachelor's program. It serves as preparation for a research master's program in molecular (developmental) biology and can only be taken in the third year of the bachelor's degree. 

For Biology students at Utrecht University (UU), the prerequisite is the successful completion of the course Molecular and Genetic Research Techniques (level 2). Additionally, the courses Molecular Biology (level 1), Developmental Biology (level 2), The Cell (level 2), and Gene Regulation (level 2) are recommended. Students from other biomedical or molecular biology-related programs must have completed equivalent courses to be admitted. At a minimum, a VMT certificate is required. In case of doubt, students should contact the course coordinator. 

Certain mandatory course components involve working with the nematode C. elegans. 

Study Interest Area 
Developmental Biology and Genetics is a core course in the Developmental Biology track and is recommended for the Cell Biology and Neurobiology tracks. The course is an excellent preparation for the master's programs Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (MCLS) and Cancer Stem Cells and Developmental Biology (CSND). 

Language 
The course is taught entirely in English. 

Course Content 
This course provides an in-depth understanding of key processes involved in the development of multicellular organisms. As a preparatory course for a master's program, it strongly emphasizes modern molecular genetic research techniques and model systems. 

Topics covered include: 

• Regulation of (asymmetric) cell division and differentiation 
• Polarization and organization of epithelial cells 
• Gene activity regulation at the RNA level 
• Apoptosis 
• Insulin signaling 
• Wnt signaling 
• Cell competition 
• Tissue specification 

Model systems studied: 

• The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans 
• The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster 
• Intestinal organoids 
• Self-organizing 3D culture systems such as organoids and gastruloids 

Teaching Methods 
The course consists of lectures, lab practicals, computer practicals, tutorials, and primary literature reading and presentation. Each lecture is supported by a corresponding primary research article, which students study independently. Students will also present one research article in groups as practice in scientific presentation and to support their peers’ learning. 

The practicals and tutorials provide hands-on experience with modern genetic and developmental biology research, combining laboratory and computational work. 

Assessment 
To pass the course, students must achieve a final grade of at least 5.5. The grading breakdown is as follows: 

• Midterm 1 – 35% 
• Midterm 2 – 35% 
• Practical component – 10% 
• Data analysis and presentation – 10% 
• Literature study and presentation – 10% 

A minimum score of 5 is required for each individual component to pass. A retake is possible for students with a final grade below 5.5 but at least a 4, or in case of absence due to extenuating circumstances. 

Attendance is mandatory for article presentations, practicals, and tutorials. If a mandatory component is missed, a substitute assignment must be completed before the exams. Completing this assignment is a requirement to be eligible for a retake. 

Study Materials 

• PDF handouts from lectures and self-made lecture notes 
• Primary research articles (in English) 
• Practical manual (in English) 
• No textbook is used for this course, but selected chapters from Principles of Development by Lewis Wolpert et al. are recommended for background information. 

Content

Admission Requirements
This course is only open to third-year students enrolled in a biomedical or molecular biology-related bachelor's program. It serves as preparation for a research master's program in molecular (developmental) biology and can only be taken in the third year of the bachelor's degree. 

For Biology students at Utrecht University (UU), the prerequisite is the successful completion of the course Molecular and Genetic Research Techniques (level 2). Additionally, the courses Molecular Biology (level 1), Developmental Biology (level 2), The Cell (level 2), and Gene Regulation (level 2) are recommended. Students from other biomedical or molecular biology-related programs must have completed equivalent courses to be admitted. At a minimum, a VMT certificate is required. In case of doubt, students should contact the course coordinator. 

Certain mandatory course components involve working with the nematode C. elegans. 

Study Interest Area 
Developmental Biology and Genetics is a core course in the Developmental Biology track and is recommended for the Cell Biology and Neurobiology tracks. The course is an excellent preparation for the master's programs Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (MCLS) and Cancer Stem Cells and Developmental Biology (CSND). 

Language 
The course is taught entirely in English. 

Course Content 
This course provides an in-depth understanding of key processes involved in the development of multicellular organisms. As a preparatory course for a master's program, it strongly emphasizes modern molecular genetic research techniques and model systems. 

Topics covered include: 

• Regulation of (asymmetric) cell division and differentiation 
• Polarization and organization of epithelial cells 
• Gene activity regulation at the RNA level 
• Apoptosis 
• Insulin signaling 
• Wnt signaling 
• Cell competition 
• Tissue specification 

Model systems studied: 

• The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans 
• The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster 
• Intestinal organoids 
• Self-organizing 3D culture systems such as organoids and gastruloids 

Teaching Methods 
The course consists of lectures, lab practicals, computer practicals, tutorials, and primary literature reading and presentation. Each lecture is supported by a corresponding primary research article, which students study independently. Students will also present one research article in groups as practice in scientific presentation and to support their peers’ learning. 

The practicals and tutorials provide hands-on experience with modern genetic and developmental biology research, combining laboratory and computational work. 

Assessment 
To pass the course, students must achieve a final grade of at least 5.5. The grading breakdown is as follows: 

• Midterm 1 – 35% 
• Midterm 2 – 35% 
• Practical component – 10% 
• Data analysis and presentation – 10% 
• Literature study and presentation – 10% 

A minimum score of 5 is required for each individual component to pass. A retake is possible for students with a final grade below 5.5 but at least a 4, or in case of absence due to extenuating circumstances. 

Attendance is mandatory for article presentations, practicals, and tutorials. If a mandatory component is missed, a substitute assignment must be completed before the exams. Completing this assignment is a requirement to be eligible for a retake. 

Study Materials 

• PDF handouts from lectures and self-made lecture notes 
• Primary research articles (in English) 
• Practical manual (in English) 
• No textbook is used for this course, but selected chapters from Principles of Development by Lewis Wolpert et al. are recommended for background information.