Evolutionary Developmental Biology

Leiden University , 1 or 2 semesters
We seek to understand the molecular and developmental basis of evolutionary change. As model organism we use the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum.
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Evolutionary Developmental Biology
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By comparing its development to Drosophila and other insects, we can infer what changes happened in the respective evolutionary lineages. Current research focuses on the role of the serosa, the immune defence and cell adhesion. For more information, students can contact the Academic Supervisor: Dr. Maurijn van der Zee.

  • The project is only available in the Spring semester.
  • Number of placements available: 1 per semester.

Prerequisites

  • High level (3rd or 4th year) undergraduate student
  • Minimum GPA 3.4
  • Preferably some experience with molecular biology.

Important note: 

Students must remain registered as an undergraduate student at their U.S. or Canadian home institution while participating in the program. The student's home institution must complete the Learning Agreement after acceptance into a project, even if credits will not be transferred to that institution. Transfer of credits is decided by the students' home institution.

Submitting an application, does not guarantee that the student will be offered a placement. The research projects are also available to our domestic degree students; therefore, projects may already be full at the time of applying. Final decision on your admission is solely taken by the Research Supervisor at the host institution.

Faculty Department

Faculty of Science / Institute of Biology Leiden: Evolutionary Biology.
The department of evolutionary biology (at the Institute of Biology Leiden) of Leiden University has a strong tradition in ecology and plasticity of the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Current research focuses on “evo-devo” (evolutionary developmental biology) using the beetle Tribolium castaneum.