This course provides extensive hands-on laboratory experience with the fertilization and development of diverse animals. Phyla represented usually include the Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, Nemertea, Mollusca, Annelida, Brachiopoda, Phoronida, Bryozoa, Echinodermata, Chordata, Chaetognatha, and Arthropoda.

In addition to the basics of invertebrate reproduction and development, lectures will also include analysis of morphogenetic processes, evolutionary changes in development, and functional consequences of different modes of development. Lab time will be devoted to obtaining, observing and documenting stages of embryogenesis. Lecture and lab practice will also introduce various techniques including (but not limited to) time-lapse microscopy, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Field collecting trips to diverse habitats will acquaint students with the environments in which reproduction and development occur and diverse sources of embryos.

The course is intended to serve both marine biologists who wish to understand diversity in modes of development for ecological and evolutionary studies and developmental biologists who wish to broaden their knowledge of embryos beyond the standard model system organisms.

This is a graduate course, but exceptionally qualified undergraduates will be considered. We encourage applicants from foreign institutions and diverse scientific backgrounds.

Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Dr. Billie Swalla
University of Washington
Biology Department

Dr. Charles (Brad) Shuster
New Mexico State University
Department of Biology

Faculty contact information:
bjswalla@u.washington.edu
cshuster@nmsu.edu