Outline

Overview

The advent of multicellularity represents one of life's great transitions in complexity, ultimately paving the way to the evolution of complex organisms such as humans. This unit focuses on how such complex multicellular systems are constructed using both animal and plant systems in a comparative way that reveals common strategies and striking contrasts. The course will cover the multidisciplinary nature of approaches used, including classical embryology, biochemistry, genetics, transcriptomics, live-imaging, cell biology, physiology and computer simulation. Topics will include fundamental concepts, morphogens, establishing body axes, cell polarity, differentiation and commitment, evolution in the context of development, mechanics and morphogenesis with examples from model systems, stem cells and cancer. Practical work includes experiments addressing gene expression, organ identity and homeotic conversions, and uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to demonstrate approaches to the study of developmental biology. The practical classes complement the theoretical aspects of the course and develops important skills in developmental biology.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(MBLG2X72 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2002 or BIOL2X29 or BCMB2X02) and 6 credit points from (MBLG2X71 or BIOL2XXX or BCMB2XXX or MEDS2003 or QBIO2001 or IMMU2XXX)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL3926
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Marcus Heisler, marcus.heisler@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Exam Written exam - short answer questions	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Laboratory notebook Laboratory Notebook.	8%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Jun 2026	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Small test Multiple choice questions	5%	Week 04	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Laboratory notebook Laboratory notebook	8%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Jun 2026	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Developmental biology presentation - Part 2 Q&A -	2%	Week 08	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Developmental biology presentation - Part 1 Presentation Powerpoint presentation. Assessed on presentation and answers to questions.	8%	Week 08	10 min presentation plus 8 min questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Laboratory notebook Laboratory notebook	8%	Week 09 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Jun 2026	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Small test Multiple choice questions	5%	Week 10	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Laboratory notebook Laboratory notebook	16%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 12 Jun 2026	See Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Theory exam: All students will sit a final theory exam held during the official examination period at the end of semester. The exam requires a hurdle mark of 40% to pass the Unit. The exam may comprise multiple-choice, short-answer and/or mini-essay questions from any area of the lecture and practical program. Exam assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning oucomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
Developmental biology presentation: Students will work in pairs to prepare a short presentation on a topic in developmental biology. Both the presentation and responses to questions will be assessed.
Two, small in-class multiple choice question tests. These short tests will occur during the practicals in week 4 and week 10. They will focus on lecture material.
Laboratory notebook assessment: Students will maintain a laboratory note book with weekly write up and final conclusions of experiments conducted throughout the semester. The laboratory note books will be submitted at various times during the semester. Several items in the note book will be selected for assessment.
The laboratory course is an essential part of the unit of study and students must pass the laboratory component in order to pass the unit. In order to pass students must attend 80% of practical sessions, demonstrate engagement, and submit lab notebooks for assessment (minimum of 3/4 lab notebooks). Failure to submit this material will result in AF for the Unit.
If technical issues, illness, a requirement to isolate etc. prevent attendance at a specific class, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator to find out how to make up the missed attendance.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A Credit reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject and can solve simple problems and can accurately identify key theoretical concepts.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Conceptual overview	Lecture (1 hr)
	Classical approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Echinoderm development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Early animal development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Early animal development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Echinoderm development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Early animal development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Early animal development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mosaic analysis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Model systems and genetic approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Model systems and genetic approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mosaic analysis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Model systems and genetic approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Model systems and genetic approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mosaic analysis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Epigenetics	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Model systems and genetic approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Model systems and genetic approaches	Lecture (1 hr)
	Mosaic analysis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Developmental variation: domestication and evolution	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Cell signalling	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Cytoskeleton	Lecture (1 hr)
	Cancer and Development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Flower development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Neural Development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Morphogenesis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Flower development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Morphogenesis	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fundamental processes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Flower development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Fundamental processes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Fundamental processes	Lecture (1 hr)
	Flower development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Frontiers in understanding mammalian development	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The laboratory course is an essential part of the unit of study and students must pass the laboratory component in order to pass the unit. In order to pass students must attend 80% of practical sessions, demonstrate engagement, and submit lab notebooks for assessment (minimum of 3/4 lab notebooks).

Failure to submit this material will result in AF for the Unit.

If technical issues, illness, a requirement to isolate etc. prevent attendance at a specific class, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator to find out how to make up the missed attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are a number of textbooks relevant to the lecture material as listed below. There are also references to original research papers and reviews noted in lectures or available via Canvas or the Library.

Wolpert, L and Tickle, C. Principals of Development. Oxford University Press. 4th Edition, 2011.
Gilbert S. Developmental Biology. Sinauer. 9th Edition, 2010
Slack J. Essential Developmental Biology. Wiley-Blackwell. 2nd Edition, 2006.

Other text books of interest are as follows.

Krebs J.E., Goldstein E.S. and Kilpatrick T.S. Lewins Genes X. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2009
Strachan T. and Read A. Human Molecular Genetics 2. Garland Science. 4th Edition, 2010.
Meneely P. Advanced genetic analysis: genes, genomes, and networks in eukaryotes. Oxford University Press, 2009.
Sanders M.F. and Bowman J.L. Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach. Pearson. 2012.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand, explain and evaluate classical and modern approaches used in developmental biology
LO2. know, understand and analyse developmental biology information
LO3. define and describe different means by which multicellular organisms develop
LO4. compare and contrast mechanisms of cell fate determination
LO5. appraise how developmental biology relates to evolution and diversity
LO6. develop skills in the use and application of developmental biology tools
LO7. formulate ideas on the practical applications of developmental biology in agriculture
LO8. relate the use of developmental biology to improving animal and plant health and well being

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Delivery of the unit of study has taken into consideration student feedback since the unit was last offered.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General laboratory safety rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOL3026: Developmental Biology

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links