Wayland Baptist University
_______ Campus
School of Mathematics and Sciences
Wayland Mission Statement: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging,
learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for professional success and service to God and humankind.
Course No. & Title: BIOL 3403-section; Developmental Biology
Term:
Name of Instructor:
Office Phone No. and WBU Email Address:
Office Hours, Building, and Location:
Class Meeting Time and Location:
Catalog description: Embryogenesis in invertebrates and vertebrate animal systems; emphasis placed on the
determination of cell fate, lineage versus environmental controls, multi-potential stem cells, and the regulation of cell
type-specific gene expression. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. $90 fee
Prerequisites: Biology 1401
Course resources : Developmental Biology. Scott Gilbert; 8th ed; Sinauer Associates Inc.; ISBN: 978-0878932504
Choose from approved textbook list
Course Outcome Competencies:
I. Students will become competent in the following areas:
1. Developmental Biology: The Anatomical Tradition
2. Life Cycles and the Evolution of Developmental Patterns
3. Principles of Experimental Embryology
4. The Genetic Core of Development
5. The Paradigm of Differential Gene Expression
6. Cell–Cell Communication in Development
7. Fertilization: Beginning a New Organism
8. Early Development in Selected Invertebrates
9. Early Development and Axis Formation in Amphibians
10. The Early Development of Vertebrates: Fish, Birds, and Mammals
11. The Emergence of the Ectoderm: The Central Nervous System and the Epidermis
II. Students will understand and be able to discuss the laboratory exercises.
III. Students will develop and understanding of and ability to use primary research articles through reading and
discussing papers.
IV. Students will develop competency in writing scholarly papers and delivering presentations.
Attendance Requirements:
Statement on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty: Wayland Baptist University observes a zero tolerance policy
regarding academic dishonesty. Per university policy as described in the academic catalog, all cases of academic
dishonesty will be reported and second offenses will result in suspension from the university.
Disability Statement:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of Wayland Baptist
University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the
benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the university. The
Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be contacted
concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request
for accommodations.
Course Requirements and Grading Criteria:
1. Students are expected to read the textbook assignments and compile a complete set of notes from the text and
lecture.
2. Lectures are illustrated with slides, videos and models. Students are encouraged to ask questions and be active
participants in the discussions of the material presented. There will be a number of reading assignments to cover
material we will not be able to cover in class.
3. Tests: 3 lecture exams will be given plus the final. The final will be comprehensive and will count the same
weight as a typical exam. At least 1 of the exams will be a take home exam.
4. Students will also have 2 paper/presentations during the course. One project is to focus on an aspect of classical
embryology and the other involving a molecular mechanism of cell fate determination or gene expression. Each will
count as a test grade. The presentations may be outside of class lecture time, but will not exceed the laboratory time
allotted for the week of presentations.
5. Laboratory grades include 3 formal lab reports. You will also have a paper discussion grade as part of the lab
grade.
Course evaluation:
Final computation of the grade: Each lecture exam including the final will be averaged together to constitute 85% of
the course grade. The lab grade is worth 15% of the final grade.
University grading system:
A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C= 70-79; D= 60-79; F= below 60; I= incomplete; W= withdrawal
Materials accepted by the instructor after the due date are subject to a 10 point deduction per day (not class meeting)
late.
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious academic evaluation. A
student who believes that he or she has not been held to realistic academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or
appropriate grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course by using the student grade appeal process
described in the Academic Catalog. Appeals may not be made for advanced placement examinations or course
bypass examinations. Appeals are limited to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised, or lowered at any
stage of the appeal process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must be submitted through the Executive
Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee for review and approval. The Faculty
Assembly Grade Appeals Committee may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered to a more
proper evaluation.
Tentative Schedule:
Additional Information: optional
Academic Honesty:
Disciplinary action for academic misconduct is the responsibility of the faculty member assigned to this
course. The faculty member is charged with assessing the gravity of any case of academic dishonesty,
and with giving sanctions to any student involved.
Last revised: 03/17/15