Biology 323so - Seminar: Topics in Developmental Biology- From Cell to Organ to Embryo - The Synthetic Organism

Sem:T-Synthetic Organism

Spring
2023
01
4.00
Michael Joseph Barresi

M 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM

Smith College
BIO-323so-01-202303
McConnell 104
mbarresi@smith.edu
How can we learn about human development and disease without experimenting with humans directly? A new culturing system, organoids, shows promise in building embryonic tissues and organs from stem cells. We will investigate human organoid systems from brain organoids to gut organoids, and synthetic human embryo development. Although these organoid and embryoid systems provide novel opportunities to probe human development and disease, they raise ethical considerations. We will examine underlying research, explore their potential, ponder ethical concerns, use primary research literature, video conference with the original researchers, and create publicly accessible videos focused on different aspects of these systems. Prerequisites: BIO 132 and at least one upper- level BIO course: BIO 200, 202, 230, 234, and 302 are recommended. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only.

[CE] JR/SR only

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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