units

BME3082

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

18 September 2017 29 April 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational UnitDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
OfferedClayton Second semester 2015 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr Megan Wallace and Associate Professor Tim Moss

Quota applies

This unit is quota restricted. Selection is on a first-in, first enrolled basis.

Synopsis

This unit provides an overview of physiological processes involved in fetal and neonatal development, and the role of the placenta in pregnancy and parturition. The unit will consider the structure, development and maturation of the major organ systems in the fetus, and the means by which the fetus is able to adapt to alterations in its environment. The unit reviews the physiology of parturition (birth), the physiological changes in the fetus and newborn during the transition at birth, and the consequences of prematurity and postmaturity. The major physiological changes occurring in the mother during pregnancy are also dealt with.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the processes involved in fetal growth and development.
  2. Describe the structure and endocrine role of the placenta in pregnancy and parturition.
  3. Describe the structure, development and function of the major body systems in the fetus.
  4. Explain the means by which the fetus is able to adapt to alterations in its environment.
  5. Describe the causes of fetal stress and the response of the fetus to stress.
  6. Describe the physiological changes that occur in the fetus during its transition to life after birth.
  7. Describe the physiology of parturition and the consequences of prematurity and postmaturity.
  8. Describe the fetal origins of adult diseases.
  9. Explain the current role of stem cell biology and therapies in the perinatal period.

Assessment

Semester-long experimental research project (20%)
Weekly research activity reports (30%)
End of semester theory exam (50%)

Workload requirements

5 hours per week.
2 hours of lectures and 3 hours each week attending actual medical research experiments that address current clinical problems in fetal and neonatal healthcare.

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Megan Wallace

Prerequisites

Any two of BMS2011, BMS2031, DEV2011, DEV2022, PHY2011, PHY2021, PHY2032, PHY2042 or with permission.

Prohibitions

PHY3082.