GRS1005

Fertility regulation ( 6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Sarah Meachem & Professor Jock Findlay

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Regulating the size of a population and the rate of population growth is a major problem for many countries. Ensuring infertile couples have the opportunity to form a family is also an important issue. The current trends in population growth and the policies introduced in countries to regulate this growth is explored as well as the extent of infertility and the legislation introduced nationally and internationally to regulate its treatment. The medical, legal and ethical aspects of present and future methods available to control fertility (contraception, contragestion and abortion) and for overcoming infertility (assisted reproductive technology) will be addressed.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will: 1. understand the demographic trends and policies relating to world population; 2. be informed about the methods available to women and men to regulate their fertility and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods; 3. be familiar with the new methods of contraception under development; 4. have a broad understanding of the ethical and legal issues surrounding the regulation of fertility and infertility; 5. be able to communicate this information and show an ability to critically evaluate it.

Assessment: Open-book written examination (1.5 hours): 60% + Literature review (5000 words): 30% + Journal Review presentation: 10%

Contact Hours: This unit will be held over six weeks in the second semester. Students are required to attend two 1 hour lectures and one 1 hour tutorial each week. There is also a 2 hour journal review and a 2 hour round table discussion to be attended every two weeks.