Endocrinology and human sexuality and reproduction
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Endocrinology
To be advised
This study presents an integrated account of the structure, function and pathophysiology of the endocrine system, providing a firm basis for the study of the endocrine-based diseases in the later years of the course. It will provide students with an understanding of the broad concepts of the endocrine system and its regulation in normal individuals; the anatomy and histology, together with the major anatomical pathology and histopathology, of the endocrine system; the chemical nature of the hormones, their synthesis, storage, secretion, metabolism/inactivation and excretion; hormone and growth-factor effects at the whole-body, cellular and molecular level; the consequence of hypo- and hyper-secretion of hormones; and the principles of hormone assay and other tests of endocrine function and their clinical relevance. (Reproductive endocrinology will be covered in human sexuality and reproduction)
Assessment
Examinations (multiple-choice and short-answer): 100%
Prescribed texts
Greenspan F S and Forsham P H Basic and clinical endocrinology 3rd edn, Lange, 1991
Students should also refer to their anatomy, biochemistry, histology, pharmacology and physiology textbooks for specific information.
Recommended texts
de Groot L Endocrinology 2nd edn, Saunders, 1989
Felig P and others Endocrinology and metabolism 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill, 1987
Hall R and Besser G M Fundamentals of clinical endocrinology 4th edn, Churchill Livingstone, 1989
Robertson D M and Herington A C Bailliere's `Clinical endocrinology and metabolism' vol. 5, Growth factors, Saunders, 1991
Williams R H Textbook of endocrinology 8th edn, Saunders, 1991
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Human sexuality and reproduction
Professor R V Short (Physiology)
This study aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of all aspects of human reproduction including the structure and function of the male and female reproductive tracts, the hormonal control of reproduction, the mechanisms involved in ovulation, fertilisation, embryonic and fetal growth and development, birth, lactation, puberty and the menopause. Considerable emphasis is given to the problems of human population growth and the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of contraception. Students are introduced to the problems of sexually transmitted diseases in general and HIV infection and AIDS in particular, and ways of containing the spread of these diseases. There are clinical discussions about the diagnosis and treatment of male and female infertility and the menopause. There are case presentations and discussions of homosexuality and transsexuality. There is an ethical debate about the issues raised by the new reproductive technologies, and the ethical issues surrounding abortion. The study ends with a discussion with the police about the problems of rape, incest, and sexual assault.
Assessment
Examinations (multiple-choice and short-answer) 1.5 hours: 100%
Prescribed texts
Austin C R and Short R V (eds) Reproduction in mammals books 1-5, 2nd edn, CUP, 1982-1986
Bancroft J Human sexuality and its problems 2nd edn, Churchill-Livingstone, 1989
Symons D The evolution of human sexuality OUP, 1979