Exploration of the fundamental concepts in developmental biology and genetics through a combination of classical and modern molecular genetic approaches. Experiments are conducted using Drosophila and Nematostella, two important animal models for research in developmental biology and genetics. Students gain hands-on experience with the approaches used to investigate processes that control embryonic development on these two model systems, including the use of modern molecular methods for examining the regulation of gene expression during development. Exposure to the genetic approaches that are available in the Drosophila system will include participation in a genetic screen. This course includes assignments that can be used to satisfy the SBC objective SPK if co-registered for BIO 458. This course routinely offers an opportunity to satisfy the Stony Brook Curriculum WRTD and Upper Division Writing Requirements for the Biology and Biochemistry majors. Students who intend to use the writing assignment in this course to satisfy these requirements must register for BIO 459 when they register for BIO 327. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.