Human Development (BIO380F) focuses on the stages from sex cell formation through embryogenesis. It is essentially an introductory developmental biology course that primarily covers the fundamental principles of human development. However, lower animals will be discussed where they more appropriately reveal a specific event or process. The course begins with the origin of the germ cells progressing to the formation of sperm and eggs (gametogenesis) in the testes and ovaries respectively. Fertilization is covered with attention paid to contraception and in vitro reproductive technologies. The study of early development begins with cleavage and blastocyst formation followed by the morphogenetic movements of gastrulation and neurulation. After the primary germ layers and the neural tube have been laid down, the process of organogenesis is detailed with particular attention to a select group of tissues and organs including the brain, the eye and the limb. During these lectures students will learn about determination, induction, cell differentiation, pattern & polarity, and morphogenesis. Cellular interactions, extracellular matrix and differentiation factors will all be discussed. Causes of abnormal development and their modes of action are also discussed. The course ends with an analysis of limb development and regeneration. Throughout the course current news items will be used to bring home the immediacy of the topics under discussion.