Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology
The Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) performs world class
research in: 1) Neuroscience (for which Prof. John O’Keefe was awarded the Nobel Prize for
Medicine or Physiology in 2014); 2) Cell, developmental and stem cell biology; 3) Anatomy,
palaeobiology and forensic science; 4) Cell signaling and energetics; 5) Functional genomics of
model systems (including C. elegans, Drosophila and zebrafish). These areas are well-represented
in a wide range of extremely popular modules, and research projects, that are offered to iBSc
students. For convenience, the iBSc degree programme in CDB is divided into four themes that
students can follow: Neuroscience, Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine, Functional Genomics,
and Anatomical and Forensic Science. Students take 2.5 course units of taught modules (selected
from the list below and from other modules within the Division of Biosciences) and the
experimental research project (ANAT3903, 1.5 units). The project is arranged by the student with a
supervisor of their choice in CDB or another UCL department or institute. The format for the project
varies between Departments: in CDB, the student effectively becomes a full member of the chosen
laboratory for much of the year; other Departments may confine the project to a shorter, intensive
period. For further details of iBSc and all modules, please contact Helen Jefferson Brown
(h.jefferson-brown@ucl.ac.uk).
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The ACDB programme, based in England’s oldest biomedical science department, aims to give
iBSc students the opportunity to study and perform original research at the highest level. The
experiences gained by students during this year provide critical (and often unexpected) insights
into the realities of biomedical research that should be of continuing benefit during their careers.
The programme offers:
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Induction sessions on basic research skills.
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Small-group tutorials to support students in their adjustment to the research environment.
These sessions cover practical issues such as scientific method and philosophy; reading and
understanding scientific papers; how to write and present a research report; how to give an
oral presentation.
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A wide range of extremely popular modules.
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Access to a distinguished group of researchers, including Fellows of the Royal Society and of
the Academy of Medical Sciences.
MODULES AVAILABLE
ANAT3026: FORENSIC OSTEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
0.5 unit
Number limit: 15
Term 2, Friday 10.00-13.00
Tutor: Dr Wendy Birch (w.birch@ucl.ac.uk)
Prerequisites: MBBS Yrs 1 & 2. Pass exams on first attempt, with 2nd year harmonized
marks of 60% or better.
The only iBSc students to be considered for the module are those taking in Anatomy, Cell &
Developmental Biology.
Assessment: Unseen 1-hour written exam (70%), two 1,000-word coursework essays (20%)
and one in-course oral presentation (10%).
The module provides an introduction to the role of the dead body in the field of crime and forensic
science, initially introducing the student to the recently deceased and discussing how the process
of decomposition finally results in skeletal remains. Students will be introduced to the skeletal
anatomy and in particular to the forensically relevant skeletal elements that can be used to help
identify an individual. Students will have the opportunity to examine human remains both with and
without soft tissue, to prepare material for osteological examination and also to see how these
remains may be involved in helping to solve forensic cases. Please note that module numbers are
capped and when there are more candidates than places exam grades will be taken into
consideration.
ANAT3028 & ANAT3029: NEUROBIOLOGY OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE
0.5 unit (ANAT3028) & 1.0 unit (ANAT3029)
Term 1, Wednesday 11.00-13.00, Friday 09.00-11.00
Tutor: Professor Stephen W Davies (s.w.davies@ucl.ac.uk).
Prerequisite: A basic understanding of neuroanatomy and neuroscience.
Assessment ANAT3028: Unseen 3-hour written examination (100%).
Assessment ANAT3029: Unseen 3-hour written examination (50%) and a 5,000 word
dissertation (50%).
The last few years have seen a remarkable increase in our understanding of the basic biological
mechanisms underlying human neurodegenerative diseases. Identification of mutations in a variety
of genes, found to encode proteins present in neuro-pathological inclusions, has suggested that a
common feature of all these diseases might be the intracellular accumulation of fibrous protein
aggregates within neurons, resulting in neuronal cell death. This module will discuss this novel
hypothesis in the light of contemporary research, and provide a foundation for our current
understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
ANAT3038: ADVANCED ANATOMY
0.5 unit
Number limit: 20
Term 2, Friday 14.00-17.00
Tutor: Dr Wendy Birch (w.birch@ucl.ac.uk) (with Professor Susan Evans (s.e.evans@ucl.ac.uk)).
Prerequisites: MBBS Yrs 1 & 2. Pass exams on first attempt, with 2nd year harmonized
marks of 60% or better.
The only iBSc students to be considered for the module are those taking in Anatomy, Cell &
Developmental Biology.
Assessment: In-course Portfolio (30%), comprising two essays and dissection report, each
of which will contribute 10% each. The dissection plan and objectives will form part of the
dissection assessment. Dissection, dissection presentation (70%).
The module offers students the opportunity to continue their studies of human anatomy through
dissection, comparison, and reading related literature. Each student will focus on a specific
dissection project, chosen by them in consultation with the module tutors. This will be
complemented by a coursework portfolio including dissection plan, objectives, and report, and two
short essays relating to the anatomy of the region, one on a topic of clinical or developmental
relevance, and the other on a topic of comparative anatomical interest. The only iBSc students to
be considered for the module are those on Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology. If more
students apply that there are places it may be necessary to consider students’ marks from previous
years.
ANAT3040: MOLECULAR BASIS OF NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
0.5 unit
Term 2
Tutors: Professor Stephen W Davies (s.w.davies@ucl.ac.uk) and Professor Stephen Hunt
(hunt@ucl.ac.uk)
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of neuroanatomy and neuroscience.
Assessment: Unseen 2-hour written examination (80%) and a 1,500-word essay (20%).
Neuroscience is beginning to provide unprecedented information about processes that can result in,
or relieve, dysfunctional behaviour. The aim of this module will be to review molecular and
physiological data drawn mainly from animal research but also human studies. The module will
focus on defined brain systems that contribute to particular types of behaviour and will cover the
genetics of mental disease risk, the epigenetic influence of trauma and early life experience, the
molecular basis of autism and Rett disease, the neurobiology of depression and anxiety, addiction
and impulsivity and schizophrenia and finally explore the molecular roots of dementia particularly
associated with problems of learning and memory.
ANAT3042: PAIN
0.5 unit
Term 2, Tuesday 11.00-1300, Thursday 09.00-11.00.
Tutor: Professor Stephen Hunt (hunt@ucl.ac.uk)
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of neuroanatomy and neuroscience.
Assessment: Unseen 3-hour written examination (80%) and an essay (20%).
This module aims to present an integrated approach to pain - which, until the 1960s, was considered
an inevitable sensory response to tissue damage. Students will be presented with information about
the basic mechanisms of pain and its clinical manifestations. Students will also be introduced to
current ideas about therapy and management of pain and to the problems inherent in
measurements of pain.
CELL3001: STEM CELLS AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
0.5 unit
Term 2, Monday 10.00-11.00, Thursday 11.00-13.00.
Tutors: Professor Tim Arnett (t.arnett@ucl.ac.uk) and Dr Leslie Dale (l.dale@ucl.ac.uk).
Prerequisites: An understanding of the basic principles of developmental biology.
Assessment: Unseen 2-hour written examination (80%) and a 2,000-word essay (20%).
The aim of the module is to provide an up-to-date survey of the rapidly changing field of stem cell
research, from fundamental principles to the practicalities of regenerative medicine. Realistic
assessments of progress to date and future potential will be made. Students will acquire a detailed
understanding of stem cell biology, the promise of regenerative medicine and associated ethical
issues. Critical thinking skills will be developed, enabling students to evaluate research strategies
and the data produced. Students will develop independent learning skills, problem solving and
written presentation skills.
CELL3002: FUNCTIONAL GENETICS OF MODEL SYSTEMS
0.5 unit
Term 2, Tuesday 16:00-18:00
Tutor: Dr Jason Rihel (j.rihel@ucl.ac.uk).
No prerequisite modules
Assessment: Unseen 2-hour written examination (70%) and one 2,000-word essay (30%).
Classical genetic studies (of mutations) have made an enormous contribution to our understanding
of biological phenomena. Modern genetics has supplemented these classical approaches with a
wide range of molecular approaches. The aim of this module is to provide in depth coverage of
new concepts in the molecular genetics of animal model systems, including nematode worms, fruit
flies, zebrafish and mouse. Following a refresher on model organism biology and basic genetics,
the topics covered will include genetic screening, modern gene mapping techniques, advanced
recombinant technology and genome editing, as well as emerging concepts such as chemical
genetics and optogenetics. Drawing mainly on recent examples from the primary literature,
emphasis will be placed on the use of molecular genetics to tackle wide-ranging questions, from
basic biological principles in development and neuroscience to the dissection of disease.
CELL3003 & CELL3005: MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPMENT
0.5 unit (ANAT3003) & 1.0 unit (ANAT3005)
Term 1, Tuesday 09.00-11.00, Friday 11.00.13.00.
Tutor: Professor Claudio Stern (c.stern@ucl.ac.uk).
Prerequisites: An understanding of the basic principles of developmental biology.
Assessment ANAT3003: Unseen 3-hour written examination (100%).
Assessment ANAT3005: Unseen 3-hour written examination (60%) and up to 6 practical
write-ups (40%).
The development of a single cell (the fertilized egg) into an animal made of millions of cells is one
of the most amazing phenomena in biology. It has inspired scientists for millennia. This module will
consider the cellular and molecular events that underlie animal development, drawing on examples
from a range of vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms (including nematodes, fruit flies, sea
urchins, zebrafish, frogs, and chicks). It aims to bring the students' knowledge and understanding
of developmental biology to the level of current research. Topics will include axis formation,
gastrulation, neural induction, patterning of the nervous system, neural crest, gene regulatory
networks, left-right asymmetries, circadian clocks, eye development, stem cells, transgenesis in
the mouse embryo, genetic studies on early development in nematodes and flies. The full unit
version of the module (CELL3005) will also include 5-6 laboratory practicals (e.g. Drosophila,
Xenopus, zebrafish, chick, mammal, C. elegans).
CELL3006: DYNAMIC BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
0.5 unit
Term 2, Monday 16:00-18:00, Thursday (computer room) 14:00-17:00
Tutor: Dr Philip Lewis (Philip.lewis@ucl.ac.uk).
Prerequisites: A-level Mathematics or equivalent
Assessment: Three online examinations which take place in the module’s timetabled
computer room sessions (50%) and two 2,500-word scientific reports (25% each).
All biological interactions, whether they take place on a molecular, organism or ecosystem scale,
are part of complex dynamical systems. The challenge of understanding the behaviour of these
systems lies at the heart of many key challenges in biological research. Solving this problem
requires work at the interface of different scientific disciplines. In this module students will be
introduced to techniques from mathematics, engineering and computer science, so that they can
construct, implement and analyse complex interaction networks using the Python programming
language. Examples will be drawn from across the biosciences spectrum including molecular
biology, cell biology, ecology, and synthetic biology.
CELL3030: CELLULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY
0.5 unit
Term 1, Tuesday 16.00-18.00.
Tutor: Professor Roberto Mayor (r.mayor@ucl.ac.uk) and Dr Yoshiyuki Yamamoto
(yoshiyuki.yamamoto@ucl.ac.uk)
Prerequisite modules: MBBS Yrs 1 & 2
Assessment: Unseen 3-hour written examination (85%) and a short oral presentation (15%).
This module comprises a survey of selected topics of current interest and importance in
developmental neurobiology and in the repair of neural structures. Particular emphasis is placed on
cellular and molecular aspects of these topics. Numerous lecturers both from UCL and other
Institutions contribute to the module. Detailed composition varies from year to year but topics likely
to be covered are: neural induction and patterning; neurogenesis; generation of cell diversity; cellcell interactions; neuronal growth factors; programmed cell death; axon guidance and
synaptogenesis; neuronal migration; development of excitability; neuron-glia interactions;
myelination; stem cells and injury and repair in central and peripheral nervous systems.
CELL3050: ADVANCED MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
0.5 unit
Term 1, Monday 14.00-16.00, Wednesday 10.00-12.00, Friday 09.00-11.00.
Tutor: Dr Jonathan Chubb (j.chubb@ucl.ac.uk).
No prerequisite modules
Assessment: Unseen 3-hour written examination (60%), a practical (20%), and a 1,500-word
essay (20%).
The module aims to provide an understanding of key topics in modern cell biology and its
relationship to disease. Topics include microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments, control of cell
shape, endocytosis and lysosomal sorting, cellular senescence, programmed cell death, cell cycle
control, transcription in single cells, circadian clocks, calcium signalling, and mathematical
modelling. A firm understanding of live imaging techniques is essential to an understanding of
modern cell biology. The module has a lecture on imaging techniques, which is followed by imaging
practicals on confocal microscopes (to small groups of around 4 students). This allows everyone get
the chance to drive a confocal microscope and generate multicolour images of cells. All of the
lecturers are actively researching in these fields and so are in a position to provide the student not
just with background information but also with cutting edge research and primary knowledge of the
field.
CELL3105: CLOCKS, SLEEP AND BIOLOGICAL TIME
0.5 unit
Term 2, Monday 11.00-13.00, Wednesday 09.00-11.00.
Tutor: Professor David Whitmore (d.whitmore@ucl.ac.uk).
Prerequisites: MBBS Yrs 1and 2.
Assessment: Unseen 3-hour written examination (100%).
The module provides a broad understanding of the relevance and mechanisms underlying biological
timing, with emphasis on the circadian clock. What is currently known about circadian clocks (what
makes the clock 'tick') will be considered in a range of animal systems, from Drosophila to the
mouse. Lectures will include the genetic-molecular aspects, biochemistry and neurobiology, as well
as how the clock regulates physiological events, such as seasonal reproduction, and human sleepactivity rhythms. The importance of light and the retina in setting the clock will be discussed, as will
the timing of hibernation, cell division and animal migration.
OTHER TAUGHT MODULES
Students are encouraged to select the majority of their modules from within Cell and Developmental
Biology (those modules with ANAT and CELL codes), but they may select from other suitable
modules from within the Division of Biosciences (with codes BIOC, BIOL, NEUR, PHAR or PHOL).
However, the final selection of modules must have the approval of the Programme Tutor.
Details of the modules can be found in the Faculty of Life Sciences database of modules (which
allows searches by subject area):
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty-php/courses/search.php
Module descriptions are also to be found in Portico.
Students must also take:
ANAT3903: EXTENDED EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECT
1.5 unit
Terms 1 & 2.
Tutor: Professor Tim Arnett (t.arnett@ucl.ac.uk).
No prerequisite modules
The Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology offers a diverse, ever-changing
range of cutting-edge research projects. Medical students can expect to join an internationallyranked research lab for up to 6 months (October – March). Dissertations (up to 7,500 words) are
submitted at the end of Term 2. It is not uncommon for ACDB projects to result in research journal
publications for students; some examples are listed below. Projects are assessed according to
Faculty guidelines: supervisor's assessment of lab performance (15%), supervisor's assessment of
dissertation (35%), internal examiner's assessment of dissertation (35%), panel assessment of oral
presentation of research (15%). Note that most original research projects, by their nature, cannot
have a guaranteed outcome; assessment is therefore based on the quality of the work and its
presentation, rather than on the ‘success’ of the results. Projects are available in the key research
areas in CDB: Neuroscience, Stem cells and Regenerative Medicine, Functional Genomics and
model systems, Cell signaling and bioenergetics and Anatomical and Forensic Science. In 2014 a
CDB student won the prize for the best iBSc research thesis.
Examples of past project titles from the ACDB iBSc programme
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Skeletal development in the Asiatic flying dragon
The evolution and development of osteological adaptations for caudal autotomy in Lepidosauria
An examination of the trigeminal nerve foramina of vertebrates
Skull shape in the origin of snakes
Bisphosphonates inhibit the formation and activity of mouse osteoclasts
Comparison of in vitro function of osteoblasts from long bones and skull bones
Molecular mechanism of neural crest migration
Wnt signalling in neural crest induction
Direct actions of strontium on bone cell function
Anterior development and patterning in the vertebrate embryo
Epigenetic regulation of pain states through MeCP2 and Npas4
An Ultrastructural Investigation of Selective Neuronal Vulnerability in Anterior Cingulate
Cortex, Entorhinal Cortex, Striatum and Dentate Gyrus in Three Different NDD Murine Models
Role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and the NK1 receptor in Inflammatory Pain in Mice
How specific is dermorphin saporin for the destruction of mu-opioid expressing cells?
Fear conditioned analgesia and the activation of zif268 and ERK in the rostroventral medulla
Ketamine activation of the m-TOR signaling pathway in prefrontal cortex.
The Effects of General Anaesthesia on Nociceptive-induced Activation in the Anterior
Cingulate Cortex
Activation of ERK and S6 ribosomal protein in the rostral ventromedial medulla in a rat model
of inflammatory pain
Examples of publications with authors on BSc or iBSc programmes within CDB
(Student author underlined)
Utting JC, Robins SP, Brandao-Burch A, Orriss IR, Behar J, Arnett TR (2006) Hypoxia inhibits the
growth, differentiation and bone forming capacity of rat osteoblasts. Exp Cell Res 312: 1693-1702.
Theodossiou TA, Thrasivoulou C, Ekwobi C, Becker DL (2006) Second harmonic generation
confocal microscopy of collagen type I from rat tendon cryosections. Biophys J 91: 4665-4677.
Becker DL, Webb K, Thrasivoulou C, Lin C-C, Nadershahi R, Tsakiri N, Cook JE (2007)
Multiphoton imaging of chick retinal development in relation to gap junctional communication. J
Physiol 585: 711-719.
Valasek P, Macharia R, Neuhuber WL, Wilting J, Becker DL, Patel K (2007) Lymph heart in chick
somitic origin, development and embryonic oedema. Development 134: 4427-4436.
McCutcheon JE, Fisher AS, Guzdar E, Wood SA, Lightman SL, Hunt SP (2008) Genetic
background influences the behavioural and molecular consequences of neurokinin-1 receptor
knockout. Eur J Neurosci 27: 683-690.
Hawkins TA, Haramis A-P, Etard C, Prodromou C, Vaughan CK, Ashworth R, Ray S, Behra M,
Holder N, Talbot WS, Pearl LH, Strähle U, Wilson SW (2008) The ATPase-dependent chaperoning
activity of Hsp90a regulates thick filament formation and integration during skeletal muscle
myofibrillogenesis. Development 135: 1147-1156.
Géranton SM, Tochiki KK, Chiu WW, Stuart SA, Hunt SP (2010) Injury induced activation of
extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the rat rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is age
dependant and requires the lamina I projection pathway. Mol Pain 6: 54.
Gibson A, Robinson N, Streit A, Sheng G, Stern CD (2011) Regulation of programmed cell death
during neural induction in the chick embryo. Int J Dev Biol 55: 33-43.
Thrasivoulou C, Virich G, Krenacs T, Korom I, Becker DL (2011) Non-Invasive second harmonic
diagnostic imaging of human skin cancers. Biomed Optics 2: 1282-1295.
Patel JJ, Utting JC, Key ML, Orriss IR, Taylor SEB, Whatling P, Arnett TR (2012) Hypothermia
inhibits osteoblast differentiation and bone formation but stimulates osteoclastogenesis. Exp Cell
Res 318: 2237-2244.
Tochiki KK, Cunningham J, Hunt SP, Géranton SM (2012) The expression of spinal methyl-CpGbinding protein 2, DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases is modulated in persistent
pain states. Mol Pain 8: 14.
Takesono A, Moger J, Faroq S, Cartwright E, Dawid IB, Wilson SW, Kudoh T (2012) Slc3a2
controls yolk syncytial layer (YSL) formation by regulating microtubule networks in the zebrafish
embryo. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 109: 3371-3376.
Khan, MAF, Soto-Jimenez, LM, Howe, T, Streit, A, Sosinsky, A, Stern, CD (2013) Computational
tools and resources for prediction and analysis of gene regulatory regions in the chick genome.
Genesis 51, 311-324.
Papanayotou C, De Almeida I, Liao P, Oliveira NMM, Lu SQ, Kougioumtzidou E, Zhu E, Shaw A,
Sheng G, Streit A, Yu D, Soong TW, Stern CD (2013) Calfacilitin: a novel calcium channel
modulator essential for initiation of neural plate development Nature Comms 4: 1837. doi:
10.1038/ncomms2864.
Corona JC, de Souza SC, Duchen MR. (2014) PPARγ activation rescues mitochondrial function
from inhibition of complex I and loss of PINK1. Exp Neurol. 2014 Mar;253:16-27. doi:
10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.12.012. Epub 2013 Dec 26.
O'Leary LA (2014). Orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone neurons: a hypothalamic interface
for sleep and feeding regulation. Bioscience Horizons, 7:hzu008, doi:10.1093/biohorizons/hzu008.
Supervisor: Rihel J
Wornham DP, Hajjawi MO, Oriss IR, Arnett TR (2014) Strontium potently inhibits mineralisation in
bone-forming primary rat osteoblast cultures and reduces numbers of osteoclasts in mouse
marrow cultures. Osteoporas Int 25: 2477-2484.
Voiculescu O, Bodenstein L, Lau I-J, Stern CD (2014) Local cell interactions and self-amplifying
individual cell ingression drive amniote gastrulation. eLife 3: e01817. doi: 10.7554/eLife.01817
Hernández-Bejarano M, Gestri G, Spawls L, Nieto-López F, Picker A, Tada M, Brand M,
Bovolenta P, Wilson SW, Cavodeassi F. (2015) Opposing Shh and Fgf signals initiate
nasotemporal patterning of the zebrafish retina. Development. Nov 15;142(22):3933-42. doi:
10.1242/dev.125120. Epub 2015 Oct 1.
Rakić S, Kanatani S, Hunt D, Faux C, Cariboni A, Chiara F, Khan S, Wansbury O, Howard B,
Nakajima K, Nikolić M, Parnavelas JG. (2015) Cdk5 phosphorylation of ErbB4 is required for
tangential migration of cortical interneurons. Cereb Cortex. 2015 Apr;25(4):991-1003. doi:
10.1093/cercor/bht290. Epub 2013 Oct 18.
Rihel J, and Ghosh M (2015). Zebrafish. In Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Pharmacological
Assays, F.J. Hock, ed. (Springer Berlin Heidelberg), pp. 1–102.
PROGRAMME TUTORS: Prof Tim Arnett - t.arnett@ucl.ac.uk / 020 7679 3309 / X33309
PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATOR: Ms Helen Jefferson-Brown - h.jefferson-brown@ucl.ac.uk / 020
7679 2200 / X32200