Every cell is a part of a larger “community”, working together to enable tissue function. This course will explore the principles of building complex tissues from cells. How do cells know what tissues to make and when to make them? How do cells communicate with one another? What diseases can arise when these principles go awry? How can we build tissues in the lab? In addition to lectures, students will engage deeply in primary literature.

This course will provide a survey of major topics and contemporary research in developmental and regenerative biology. Students will rotate in the laboratories of DRB faculty across the Harvard campuses and affiliated hospitals. Students engage with faculty and gain hands-on experience in a variety of model systems, techniques and research areas. Each day of the course will consist of a lecture followed by hands-on laboratory activities and interactive discussions. Students will be required to complete the lab experience and the following assignments: lead two chalk-talk format paper presentations, and write one 5-6 page research proposal.

Ya-Chieh is an associate director of the DRB program in BBS, and participates in several PhD programs across Harvard, including BBS and MCO.