Postgraduate - UnitGRS4101 - Introduction to reproductive endocrinology

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Synopsis

This unit provides students with a theoretical and practical background to reproductive endocrinology. Information about the general organisation and regulation of the reproductive endocrine system will be taught including hormones produced by the pituitary, hypothalamus, ovary and testis and their respective interactions, regulation and mode of action. The role of growth factors will also be considered. Students will also learn about the ethical considerations required in human and animal experimentation, acquire basic laboratory and tissue culture skills and complete a biostatistics series to learn how to interpret and analyse biomedical research data.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will have:

1. acquired the basic theoretical background and practical knowledge about the components of the reproductive endocrine system;
2. become familiar with current concepts relating to animal and human ethics, laboratory safety, use of library facilities and critical analysis of scientific journals;
3. experience in current laboratory skills associated with research in reproductive biology;
4. gained knowledge about, and experience in, the appropriate use of statistics to analyse data in reproductive science;
5. demonstrated skills in report writing and the presentation of scientific data.

Assessment

Open-book written examination (1.5 hours): 50%
3 written practical reports: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

A/Prof Peter Temple-Smith

Contact hours

This unit is conducted over six weeks in the first semester. For the first five weeks, students are required to attend lectures and practical session. It is expected that all students, including part-time students, attend all the lectures and practical classes from Week 1 to Week 6 inclusive.