Biology 4050 will introduce fundamental principles of developmental biology, e.g. how the body axes are formed and organ systems develop.  Each topic will be augmented by discussion of contemporary scientific and medical issues relevant to particular topics.  For example there will be a focus on current issues concerning stem cell therapy, human developmental diseases and regenerative medicine.  In order to understand how modern medicine approaches these complex issues it is essential to understand, and apply, principles gleaned from studies on animal systems, work which has led to the novel therapies in practice now and which will underlie those that emerge in the future.