B.Sc. Developmental Biology with a Modern Language

Developmental biology explains how the single cell formed at fertilisation forms an embryo and then a fully formed adult organism. For this to happen, the fertilised egg must grow and divide to produce the many cells within the adult organism; different types of cells (such as nerves, muscles and skin) must be produced; these cells must be arranged together to form the organs of the body; and these organs must be positioned appropriately in the body. Altogether, these ensure, for example, that hands form at the ends of arms, not legs, and flowers on stems, rather than roots.Our understanding of developmental biology is having a significant impact on our understanding of evolution and modern medicine, including treatment of birth defects, infertility and cancer in humans. Of particular interest is the use of stem cells to engineer replacement tissues and organs, which could revolutionise medicine.