If you are interested in experimental biology relating to model organisms, this unit would be perfect for you. However, that's not to say that this unit would be boring to those who are less stimulated by the thought of learning experimental techniques. Coming into this semester, I presumed that DEV3011 would be my least favourite unit as I did not enjoy DEV2011. Finishing the semester, I can confidently say that DEV3011 was my favourite. Luckily, I had a very kind and understanding TA who sat us down after every lab to discuss the answers to the lab questions that would later appear in the lab quiz. If you listen attentively and take down notes, there is absolutely no reason you would not ace the lab quizzes. The labs itself were extremely interesting, where you had the opportunity to observe/learn about and perform manipulative experiments on some organisms. There is a report that you are given approximately 5-6 weeks to write, and an oral presentation relating to your written report. Both tasks are pretty easy to score well in from my own experience. Just don't leave it until the last minute to write, as you need comprehensive understanding to not only write the report to a high standard, but then to be able to talk about it in front of your lab group. The unit coordinators provide plenty of resources to further help you understand the lecture content and sufficient practice questions for both the mid-semester exam and the final exam. UTILISE ALL resources if you want to do well. The unit is undeniably content heavy, with 2 lectures a week, each approximately 55 minutes long, and you need to make sure you are staying on top of watching lectures because like all other units, once you find yourself behind on 1-2 lectures, suddenly you're behind on like 4 weeks of lectures. But, most importantly, Craig, Sonja and all other teaching staff were incredibly helpful, and I'm sure you would not hesitate to ask for assistance if need be. Now, for the questions of the century: is it Hdable? is it potentially a WAM booster? yup (but also all units are HDable if you put in the work)

Great Unit - lots of content but if you're interested in dev bio - or bio in general. Its a great unit to take with interesting labs (also very relevant) and lectures - Easy to do well in the labs if you pay attention, though exam required a decent amount of retention.

Amazing unit! Lab work is incredibly interesting and enjoyable- if you love developmental biology you’ll really enjoy this unit. It has a very helpful mix of experimental techniques, genetics, molecular pathways and some anatomical outcomes. Craig is the best (even his tangents are interesting!) and Sonja’s lectures are A+; so clear and helpful! 100% would recommend even though it’s relatively content heavy.

The unit is really good. Craig and Sonja are very good lecturers and run the unit really well. Would recommend this unit.

The unit is very good! The unit is heavy, but the exam is very straightforward. You just have to make sure you remember and understand it

VERY CONTENT HEAVY! Requires memorising of different signalling pathways and developmental pathways. The practicals were very good, but the assessments for the practicals required very specific answers. Other assessments had clear and precise instructions to set you up for a HD.

The subject matter could have been taught a lot better. It was interesting but was organised poorly and everything was all over the place. We were taught multiple experimental protocols which were okay during the lecture but the exam questions were worded a little ambiguously which made answering them a little harder. The practicals were amazing but my tutor didn’t know what they were doing which I believe hindered my ability to score well in the post prac assessments. Otherwise, Sonja is great help and very attentive and knows what she’s talking about. Similar to Craig who gives most of the lectures. Overall, only do this unit if you’re majoring in dev otherwise save yourself the trouble because it’s a lot of work

The subject material is pretty good. Well rounded syllabus. However, the lectures are quite boring most of the time. There is a lot of material to remember and lots of concepts to understand, Have to admit that the practicals were really good. This is one subject you really need to keep on track from week one. If you fall behind its hard to learn everything in a short time. The staff is very friendly and will help if needed. You will have to do this unit if you are completing a major in DEV at Monash. If you are thinking if selecting this as an elective, I'll recommend you think twice whether you are ready to do all the work. The unit is not too bad but not really good either.