If you're interested in hands-on biology, research, and real experimental work, this is one of the most unique classes you can take.
What you’ll do:
- Work with real model organisms like Drosophila, zebrafish, C. elegans, chicken embryos, axolotl, planarians, and more
- Explore key concepts like:
- Gene regulation & cell signaling
- Pattern formation
- Cell migration & adhesion
- Cell fate determination
- Actually manipulate embryos and observe development in real time
The second half of the course is independent research: you design your own project, ask your own biological question, and run experiments to answer it.
About the professor:
Dr. Chugh (new faculty at UMBC, started Aug 2025)
- Postdoc at Harvard Medical School
- PhD (magna cum laude) from Max Planck Institute & University of Tübingen
- Super approachable and genuinely passionate about developmental biology!
This class was previously offered and is now being revived with new model organisms and project opportunities, great chance to be part of something fresh and impactful.
If you're thinking about research, grad school, med school, or just want a real lab experience beyond basic courses, this is a hidden gem.
👉 Highly recommend checking it out and signing up!