Course Title: Comparative Developmental Biology 
Course Code: ZOL-8120
Credit Hours: 03
Instructor: Dr. Khawaja Raees Ahmad

Introduction to course

Comparative developmental biology is an interactive course of study that explains how the single cell formed at fertilization transforms in to a complete individual through the various phases of embryonic changes. It employs the comparative study of the events of development in diverse animal groups. The events of development are to be studied at all the levels of organization starting from the molecular, and genetic levels through the events of fertilization and differentiation bring about changes at the tissue, organ, anatomical and the morphological levels. The fascinating events of gametogenesis (spermatogenesis, oogenesis), molecular role and control of fertilization, twining, pregnancy, development of placenta, prenatal and postnatal developments, parturition, pre-pubertal and adolescent changes and the events involved in ageing are also to be discussed in detail. Biotechnological advancements of assisted reproductive technologies (semen cryo-preservation, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer techniques and the introduction to the stem cell technology) are also to be taught appropriately.

Course pre requisites (if any)

Basic knowledge of sexual reproduction and early embryonic development in animals my be known to the students 

Learning outcomes

1. This course will provide a chance to learn about the developemtal processes in animals with underlaying cellular and molecular events and mechanisms that govern and regulate the changes at the tissue and organ levels. 

2. The students will also learn the bilogical processes leading to ageing and death.

Textbooks to be used for the course

1. Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
2. Webster, S., & de-Wreede, R. (2016). Embryology at a glance (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell.

Description of system of Evaluation (Exam, assignments etc.)

Term paper in lieu of Mid-term :30

Final term :50

Sessional :20 (Class Participation)Time Table w.e.f. Nov. 26, 2020: M. Phil Zoology 1st semester Tuesday: 4-5PM; Thrusday: 04-05 and Friday 03-04PM ​

Detailed lesson plans for each lecture/week

Week 1: Historical review of embryology

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp4-10

Week 2: Uses of modern molecular techniques in developmental biology

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp45-88

Week 3: Origin of germ cells (gametogenesis), Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp202-212

Week 4: Structure and organization of male and female gametes

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp218-225

Week 5: Fertilization: chemistry of fertilization

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp226-231

Week 6: Molecular biology of fertilization, surface changes in the egg and sperm surface

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp240-247

Week 7: In vitro fertilization (test tube technology)

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp240-247

Week 8: Mono- & di-zygotic twinning, Parthenogenesis

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp98-99

Week 9: Uses of transgenic animals in developmental biology

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp21-23, 180-189, 240-244

Week 10: Cleavage, blastulation

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp251-273

Week 11: Fate maps and their preparation

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp17-19, 311-319

Week 12: Morphogenetic movements and gastrulation in amphioxus, mammals, chick and frog

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp6, 14, 320-324

Week 13:Stem cells technology and its uses in developmental biology

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp 167-174

Week 14: Embryonic adaptations (fetal extra-embryonic membranes) and placentation, umbilical cord, parturition (birth) and its stages

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp 379-380, 164

Week 15: Regeneration and regenerative powers of vertebrates

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp 693-718

Week 16: Aging

Suggested Book reading:

Gilbert, S.F. (2018). Developmental biology (11th ed.). Sunderland: Sinauer Associates. Pp 723-731