Bi1152en Developmental Defects & Their Causes

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus 2 credits for an exam). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Lorena Agostini Maia (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Tue 14:00–15:50 D36/212
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
This course aims to explore developmental defects from historical, contemporary, and methodological perspectives, covering prenatal and postnatal periods. It delves into key signaling pathways and their role in understanding developmental anomalies, along with strategies for prevention and mitigation. Additionally, this course serves as a supportive resource for Master students preparing for their State Exams in Developmental Biology.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion, students will understand the mechanisms of key signaling pathways involved in developmental defects. They will develop proficiency in analyzing these pathways' implications through case studies and experimental models, thereby enhancing their comprehension of developmental biology.
Syllabus
  • 1. Definition, history, and current status of developmental defects
  • 2. Prenatal and postnatal period of development (LAM)
  • 3. Notch signaling pathway
  • 4. Wnt signaling pathways (LAM)
  • 5. TGFβ signaling (LAM)
  • 6. Receptor tyrosine kinases I
  • 7. Receptor tyrosine kinases II
  • 8. Hedgehog signaling
  • 9. Hippo signaling
  • 10. Eph/Ephrin signaling
  • 11. Small Rho GTPases
  • 12. Prevention and mitigation for developmental defects
Literature
  • CARLSON, Bruce M. Human embryology and developmental biology. Seventh edition. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2024, xii, 512. ISBN 9780323881685. info
Teaching methods
Teaching methods will focus on imparting theoretical knowledge of the studied phenomena. The course can be delivered through in-person lectures and possibly via online sessions.
Assessment methods
Evaluation will be based on a two-part exam:

1) Written part: 4 questions, 45 minutes. A minimum of 50% success is required to qualify for the subsequent oral part (happening right after the written one).

Grading for the written exam:
less than 50% - F - Not eligible for the oral part
51–60% - E
61–70% - D
71–80% - C
81–90% - B
91–100% - A

2) Oral part (taking place right after the written part): 15 minutes. It can improve or lower the written exam grade by ONE level.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2025/Bi1152en