DRS1008 and DRS2009

Diploma in reproductive sciences

This course is currently under revision.

Full-time

Lectures Eight 50-minute lectures per week over approximately twenty weeks. Some of the topics covered include physiology of human and animal reproduction - testes, vas and accessory glands, penis, ovaries, uterus, and estrous and menstrual cycles; fertilisation and its manipulation - IVF, cryopreservation and artificial storage of gametes and embryos, semen collection and analysis, development of preimplantation embryo, and implantation; regulation of fertility - tubal ligation, abortion, steroid contraception, natural family planning, condoms, vasectomy, and vasectomy reversal; infertility - its diagnosis and treatment in men and women; ethics; sexually transmitted diseases; pregnancy and parturition - placental structure and function, fetal development, reproductive and developmental toxicology, and pregnancy and parturition disorders; neonates - fetal and neonatal monitoring, neonatal intensive care, SIDS.
Practical classes Compulsory practical classes conducted in first semester provide students with many of the basic laboratory and research skills necessary to work in the reproductive sciences. These are divided into basic laboratory skills, tissue culture and statistics. In second semester students choose a series of week-long practical exercises. Each of these one week full-time practicals is designed to give students a more intensive training in a particular skill in their area of interest.
Journal club A fortnightly journal club provides students with experience in reviewing, discussing and analysing scientific journal articles in a tutorial format.
Specialisation The course caters to a wide variety of interests by allowing students to concentrate on particular areas of reproductive biology. Students can develop skills and specialised expertise in one of the following areas: human reproduction; animal reproduction; women's health; molecular and cellular endocrinology; fetal and neonatal physiology; and embryology and reproductive toxicology.
Assignments Students undertake three literature review assignments. Each of these involves working with a supervisor to refine a topic and analyse previously published material in an area of the student's interest.

Assessment Tests and examinations: 35% · Core practical classes: 10% · Literature review assignments: 25% · Field trip reports: 5% · Skills development practicals: 25%

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