Biology of Animal Development

The course will lead the graduate students towards the understanding of the biology of animal development. To this end, different biological models will be considered (Invertebrates/ Vertebrates), of which the various stages of development will be analyzed, starting from the genes, from the molecular and cellular mechanisms that characterize such stages, up to the acquisition of the definitive forms of the organism. It will also be an objective of the course "reading" the biology of animal development through evolutionary lenses (EvoDevo).

The course will allow the student to acquire the fundamental notions concerning the phases characterizing animal development using selected model organisms. The cultural baggage of the learner will be enriched by the knowledge of the way genetic information rules the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cell differentiation and animal development and how this function must be integrated with information brought by the environment. Furthermore, the course aims to educate the student about the links between development and evolutionary processes.