This course provides the student with an overview of Human Embryology, including features and major events of the development of organs and systems. Students will also learn about the molecular events that guide the development of the embryo.

How to get the most out of Metaphysics: Embryology with Christine Hamilton, PhD:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total class meetings: 12

Duration of each class: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: High School Biology

Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade

Suggested credit: One full semester Science or Embryology

Instructors: Christine Hamilton, PhD

Instructor email:  chapelmom7@yahoo.com

Course description: Let us start at the beginning of your development. The zygote’s first priority is dividing to make lots of new cells, so its first few days are spent in rapid mitotic division. With each round of division, it doubles in cell number, so the cell number is increasing at an exponential rate! We are walking through the many stages of embryonic growth.

Course outline:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

Describe the scientific basis of embryology.

Explain the features related to development of each system and structure.

Link the embryonic structures with the corresponding adult anatomy.

Recognize common abnormalities.

Apply the knowledge for interpretation of symptoms and signs of common congenital and developmental anomalies.

Communicate information about human development using appropriate language.

Course materials: Human Embryology and Developmental Biology 5th Edition by Bruce M. Carlson MD PhD ISBN-13: 978-1455727940 (https://amzn.to/3hhCo8e). NOTE: the “Student Consult Online Access” is NOT required with the purchase of the book. Therefore, it may be purchased used (see BookFinder.com).

Homework: Read the assigned chapter(s) and write the provided vocabulary words and definitions in your notebook. Take the online computer-graded weekly test. Expect to spend approximately two to three hours of work each week outside of the live class.