The course gives an introduction to functional cytology and the cellular and molecular mechanisms for embryonic pattern formation of different animal taxa. Themes include: animal architecture, life cycles and reproduction, differential gene expression, cell-to-cell communication and signal transduction pathways, gametogenesis and cell cycles, fertilisation, cleavage patterns and early development, genetic control of Drosophila development, ectodermal and neural development, mesodermal and endodermal development, sex determination.

To give the student a basic understanding in cellular and physiological mechanisms of pattern formation in animals.