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Summary

This module presents an introduction to research into the diagnosis, developmental mechanism, prevention and treatment of birth defects at the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. You will be provided with a biological overview of normal embryonic development, working systematically through the organ systems and highlighting genes and mechanisms by which congenital malformations and/or birth defects arise. Ìý

Leading clinicians and scientists will present their efforts to translate progress made into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying birth defects into the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Ìý

Leaning Objectives and Outcomes

The aim of this module is to provide you with knowledge of normal embryology and disorders arising from abnormal development. By taking this module, you will be able to:Ìý

1. Gain specialist knowledge in embryology and developmental biologyÌý

2. Increase familiarity with key developmental genes pathwaysÌý

3. Describe abnormal development leading to congenital malformationsÌý

4. Explain the underlying genetic and molecular pathology of birth defectsÌý

5. Describe research methods to determine the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of birth defectsÌý

6. Outline novel intervention strategies for common birth defectsÌý

7. Appreciate diverse approaches to therapy developmentÌý

8. Stimulate further research into developmental biology and birth defectsÌý

Who is this module for?

This is one of the available core modules for the MSc Paediatrics and Child Health: Molecular and Genomic Paediatrics pathway and an optional module for all other MSc Paediatrics and Child Health pathwaysÌý

Any Level 7 students interested in taking this as an optional module, please contact the Module leader.Ìý

Teaching and Learning Methods

This module will be delivered by lectures, tutorials and laboratory demonstrations[PE1] [AP2] .

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a Oral Assessment (40%) and Coursework (60%).

Selected Reading List

• Schoenwolf, G.C., Bleyl, S.B., Brauer, P.R. and Francis-West, P.H., 2014. Larsen's human embryology. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Ferretti, P., Copp, A., Tickle, C. and Moore, G. eds., 2006. Embryos, genes and birth defects. John Wiley & Sons.