One of the most fascinating questions in biology is how a single cell—a fertilized egg—becomes a new organism, be that a beetle, a frog, or a human. Embryology, or developmental biology, is the field of biological sciences that explores this topic.

This course will introduce students to the essential concepts of modern developmental biology, such as differentiation and stem cells, organogenesis and regeneration, animal cloning, and the effects of environmental pollutants on the developing embryo. Students will also learn about the lives and works of the great embryologists of the past and their contributions to science. The course is lecture-based with a laboratory component.

Live Classes: Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Student Expectations: Students are expected to complete assignments, which may include reading assigned materials, watching videos, completing quizzes, and conducting simple experiments designed for non-laboratory settings.

Student Support: The instructors are available by email.

Feedback/Assessment: The instructors will provide written feedback on assignments.

Materials/Supplies: Students will need a digital endoscope microscope; these are available online relatively inexpensively (usually under $30). Other stereomicroscopes may work; the instructors will be able to provide guidance on this point.

Prerequisites: None