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Caltech Course Catalog / 2025-2026 Catalog / Courses 2025-26 / Developmental Biology

Bi 117 - Developmental Biology

Bi 117

Developmental Biology

9 units (3-0-6)   |  second term
Prerequisites: Bi 8 and Bi 9.

A survey of the development of multicellular organisms. Topics will include the beginning of a new organism (fertilization), the creation of multicellularity (cellularization, cleavage), reorganization into germ layers (gastrulation), induction of the nervous system (neurulation), and creation of specific organs (organogenesis). Emphasis will be placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying morphogenetic movements, differentiation, and interactions during development, covering both classical and modern approaches to studying these processes.

Instructors: Bronner, Zernicka-Goetz
Published Date: Aug. 19, 2025