C3: Molecular Mechanisms of Development – 13166

(2 hrs/week; 2 CP; Fall 2025)

A. Schier, Grayson Camp

This course explores the fundamental processes by which cells, tissues, and organisms develop and change over time, from fertilization to complex body structures. Topics include gene regulation, pattern formation, morphogenesis, organogenesis, stem cell biology, and the interplay between development, evolution, and ecology. The course also considers emerging frontiers in synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and human engineering. Each lecture pairs a landmark study with a recent cutting-edge paper, fostering critical analysis of how classic questions are being redefined. Students are expected to read all assigned papers, actively participate in discussions, and present selected figures from the papers.