516-202 Human Embryology

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Either anatomy and cell biology 516-201, or biochemistry and molecular biology 521-213. Prerequisites may be waived by the head of department.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of this subject students should:

• comprehend the terminology of embryology; the principles and essential factual information regarding developmental processes, formation of the embryo, development of the placenta, organ and system development; the role of the developmental events in the organisation of adult structure; the correlation of developing structure with function;

• develop observational and organisational skills to identify and interpret the light-microscopic appearances of developing cells, tissues, organs and systems; the ability to visualise three-dimensional structure from two-dimensional data; communication skills (written and oral) to describe the development of normal structure; and

• appreciate the range of variation of microscopic structure within normal developing tissue; the embryological basis of certain birth defects; the importance of one's own observations; the scientific basis of knowledge about development; the need for continuing independent learning to keep pace with future advances.

The following topics are considered:

Mammalian reproduction: gametogenesis; embryogenesis: embryo formative processes, foetal maternal relationships, development of basic tissues; organogenesis: development of nervous system, skeletal system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urogenital system, head and neck, gastrointestinal system, endocrine systems.

Assessment

A 2-hour written exam and a 20-minute practical exam at the end of the semester, plus four 10-minute practical tests during semester.

Prescribed Texts

• W K Larsen, Human Embryology. Churchill Livingstone, 1993.
• M A England, Life Before Birth. 2nd ed., Mosby-Williams and Wilkins, 1996.