Leader: Dr Sarah Meachem & Dr Kyriakos Pratis

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (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 all lectures and tutorials. Students must also present 3 journal reviews and attend a round table discussion.