Reproductive Physiology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours

25 points selected from

Students with equivalent alternative backgrounds should discuss their options with the coordinator.

None

None

BIOL30001 Reproduction (prior to 2013)

For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in practical class activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Topics will include structure, function, and development of the reproductive organs; endocrine and neuroendocrine and environmental control of reproduction, fertilisation, pregnancy, parturition and lactation in humans and other animals; reproductive diseases and disorders; assisted reproductive technologies; and reproduction in a community and global perspective.

This subject aims to give students of science and biomedical science a solid foundation in human and animal reproductive biology and its applications. Students will be provided with a curriculum informed by current research and addressing a basic understanding of the principles and processes of reproductive biology, the biological bases of reproductive disorders and diseases, assisted reproductive technologies and reproduction in a global context. Students will gain experience in writing a review based on the primary scientific literature and in peer-review.

By the completion of this subject students should:

• understand the structure and function of male and female reproductive systems;
• understand neuroendocrine and endocrine control systems and their role in the regulation of reproductive processes;
• understand some common reproductive disorders and diseases and assisted reproductive techniques; and
• be aware of implications of reproduction in a community and global context.

Weekly online quizzes due during the semester (35%); a 40 minute mid-semester test in week 6 (10%); a literature review of no more than 1000 words due week 9 (15%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (40%)

M H Johnson, Essential Reproduction 7th Ed, Blackwell Publishing.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from the literature, and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate what has been learned. Students should develop their abilities to evaluate scientific evidence critically, and to apply the information to broader contexts. Students will be exposed to consideration of implications of reproduction beyond the narrow confines of scientific research including community and global perspectives. Students will increase their skills in cooperative teamwork through group discussions and peer review.

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.