ANA-20005 - Module Specification
School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In this module, you will explore the fundamentals of human development through a range of teaching activities.
You will learn about the sequential events that transform a single cell into a complex multicellular organism, integrate your knowledge of gross anatomy with developmental biology to determine how anatomical structures originate and mature during development, and apply your knowledge to assess the clinical effects of developmental disorders. You will also explore the comparative anatomy of humans with other vertebrates, identifying evolutionary links that connect form with function. Your ability to explain embryological processes and describe common congenital anomalies will be assessed through written assessment.
This module will provide you with the fundamental contextual knowledge that will underpin your further applied studies in the anatomical sciences.

This module aims to introduce students to the key embryological processes that underpin the development of the human body. It aims to foster a foundational knowledge of the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate human embryogenesis, including an exploration of the roles of key genes, signalling pathways, and the regulatory networks that govern these processes. Thus students will be provided with a fundamental comprehension of human development, equipping them with the contextual knowledge required for further applied study in the field of anatomy and its related disciplines.
This module will foster the integration of students’ existing anatomical knowledge with principles of developmental biology to explain how anatomical structures originate and mature during development. Students will learn to apply their anatomical knowledge to describe common developmental anomalies and assess their potential impacts on health. Previous exposure to literature appraisal will be built upon, with students having significant opportunities to evaluate scientific articles and utilise the literature in their assessment. Students will also compare the development of key anatomical structures in humans with those of other vertebrates, identifying evolutionary links that connect form to function.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the basic genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate human development and embryogenesis.: 1,2
Outline the key stages of human development from fertilisation to birth, describing the development and differentiation of critical structures and organ systems during the embryonic and fetal periods.: 1,2
Evaluate common developmental disorders and congenital anomalies, outline their embryological origins and deduce their potential impacts on health.: 1
Compare and contrast the embryological development of key anatomical structures in humans with those of other vertebrates, relating the evolutionary similarities and differences that provide insights into human developmental processes.: 2

Study hours

Lecture/interactive lecture: 10
Tutorials: 10
Seminars: 5
Guided Independent Hours: 125

- Researching/reading: 45
- Consolidation of lecture material (note taking, practice questions etc.): 30
- Consolidation of tutorial material (animal models, comparative, congenital anomalies etc.): 20
- Assessments (including preparation): 30

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment