This unit will examine the molecular techniques used to study the regulation of gene expression and the problem of how the development of an animal from fertilised egg to mature organism is controlled by genes. Topics will include genetics of body plan development in animals, methods used to manipulate genes and introduce them into plant and animal cells, and regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Laboratory sessions will provide an introduction to PCR, DNA sequencing, computer programs used to analyse DNA sequences, and screening a gene library. GENE540 has an additional 2500 word assignment which will include a review of recent scientific literature in the field of genes and development.