Dr. Cathy Mendelsohn
Course Director (left)
Office: BB 1502 or 1514,
Phone: Ext. 5-1591, 5-7941
Email: clm20@columbia.edu

Dr. Harshwardhan Thaker
Course Director (right)
Office: P&S 14-451
Phone: Ext. 5-1174
Email: ht89@columbia.edu

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the principles of human embryology, from conception to birth. This should provide a basis for understanding human anatomy, genes that regulate developmental processes and the molecular basis of birth defects. Topics will include the formation of the basic body plan, the origin and division of body cavities, the role of the placenta, early organogenesis, the maturation of organ and sensory systems, and an introduction to molecular mechanisms that orchestrate development.