DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

Paper Code: 
24CZOL511
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
Course objectives: 
This course will enable the students to (Cos): 
1. Understand gametogenesis and egg types.
2. Explore fertilization mechanisms and early embryo development.
3. Analyze germ layer development and extra-embryonic membranes.
 
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and  teaching 

strategies

Assessment

Strategies

 Course 

Code

Course Title

24CZOL511

DEVELOPMENTAL  BIOLOGY

THEORY

 

CO:97 Understand the historical background and processes of gametogenesis, including spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Learn about different types of eggs and their membranes.

CO:98 Explore fertilization mechanisms, cleavage patterns, and early developmental stages in frog and chick embryos. Study embryonic induction and organizers.

CO:99 Analyze fate maps, germ layer development, and extra-embryonic membranes in birds. Investigate human embryo implantation and placental structure and functions.

CO:100 Examine metamorphosis and regeneration processes in amphibians and insects. Discuss theories related to aging.

CO:101 Discuss teratogenesis, in vitro fertilization techniques, and the concept of stem cells, focusing on embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and their implications.

CO:102 Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

The approach  in teaching:

Interactive 

Lectures, 

Discussion, 

Tutorials, 

Reading 

assignments, 

Demonstration,  Team teaching

 

Learning 

activities for 

the students:

Self-learning 

assignments, 

Effective 

questions, 

Simulation, 

Seminar 

presentation, 

Giving tasks, 

Chart 

preparation

Assessment 

Strategies

Class test, 

Semester end 

examinations, 

Quiz, Solving 

problems in 

tutorials, 

Assignments, 

Presentation.

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Introduction
 Historical perspective  
Gametogenesis:  Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis; 
Types of eggs
 Egg membranes 
 
12.00
Unit II: 
Early Embryonic Development
Fertilization (External and Internal): Changes in gametes, Blocks to polyspermy 
Planes and patterns of cleavage;  
Types of Blastula
Early development of frog and chick up to gastrulation; Embryonic induction and  organizers 
 
12.00
Unit III: 
Late Embryonic Development
Fate maps (including Techniques) 
Fate of Germ Layers; 
Extra-embryonic membranes in birds; 
Implantation of embryo in humans, Placenta (Structure, types and functions of placenta) 
 
12.00
Unit IV: 
Post Embryonic Development
Metamorphosis: Changes, hormonal regulations in amphibians and insects
Regeneration: Modes of regeneration, epimorphosis, morphallaxis and compensatory regeneration (with one example each); 
Ageing: Concepts and Theories 
 
12.00
Unit V: 
Implications of Developmental Biology
Teratogenesis: Teratogenic agents and their effects on embryonic development;
 In vitro fertilization
 Stem cell (ESC) 
 
Essential Readings: 
ESSENTIAL READINGS: 
• P S Verma and V K Agarwal Chordate Embryology S. Chand Publishing, 2006 ISBN 8121902614 
• K.V. Sastry & Vineeta Shukla Developmental Biology 2nd Revised Edition: 2018-2019 ISBN 978-93-5078-128-9. 
• Gilbert, S. F. (2010). Developmental Biology, IX Edition, Sinauer Associates, Inc., Publishers, Sunderland, Massachusetts, USA. 
• Balinsky B. I. and Fabian B. C. (1981). An Introduction to Embryology, V Edition, International Thompson Computer Press. 
 
SUGGESTED READINGS: 
● Carlson, R. F. Patten's Foundations of Embryology 
● Kalthoff (2008). Analysis of Biological Development, II Edition, McGraw-Hill Publishers 
● Lewis Wolpert (2002). Principles of Development. II Edition, Oxford University Press 
● Developmental Biology. Berril. N.J. and Karp. G.McGraw Hill, New York. 
 
e-RESOURCES: 
 
JOURNAL: 
• Journal of Developmental Biology 
• International Journal of Developmental Biology
 
Academic Year: 
2024-2025
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