Graduate Diploma in Reproductive Sciences

This course is offered by the Education Program in Reproduction and Development (EPRD), in the Monash Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and is a joint venture with Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research and Monash IVF. Other departments and institutions that participate in the course include Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash departments of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Paediatrics, Physiology and Pharmacology. The program is also supported by Melbourne IVF, Family Planning Victoria, the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, the University of Melbourne, Zoos Victoria, Genetics Australia, and Melbourne Aquarium. The primary aim of the EPRD is to foster education and research into reproductive biology and medicine.

The course provides a broad theoretical understanding of, and practical training in, the applications of reproductive biology to current clinical human and veterinary medicine, and consideration of the social and ethical issues raised by the use of these techniques. The course also provides the opportunity for those currently interested in reproductive sciences to update their knowledge and experience research by participating in a minor research project.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• display and communicate a detailed theoretical knowledge and understanding of human and animal reproductive science
• critically evaluate recent developments in clinical human and animal reproductive sciences
• conduct an appropriate statistical analysis of data from studies in reproductive sciences
• understand, intelligently consider and clearly communicate the ethical issues and implications raised by research in the reproductive sciences and in population control using both a local and an international perspective
• demonstrate various common practical techniques currently in use in reproductive sciences
• plan and conduct a research project, and prepare a standard scientific report of the research findings
• competently communicate in written and oral formats their findings from critical reviews, data analyses and a practical project.

Assessment

Assessment is by written examinations, a 3000-word literature review, the demonstration and understanding of selected practical skills and a practical report, poster and oral presentations and critical reviews, minor research project plan and report, application for a conference travel grant, biostatistics assignment.

This course consists of seven core units.

Students must complete:

Semester one

• GRS4101 Introduction to reproductive endocrinology
• GRS4102 Gonadal development and function
• GRS4103 Pregnancy and parturition

Semester two

• GRS4104 Reproductive health
• GRS4105 Fertility regulation
• GRS4201 Comparative reproduction and conservation
• GRS4202 Assisted reproductive and genetic technologies

Students who pass all units for this course and achieve a minimum of a distinction average (70 per cent) may qualify for admission into course 2309 Master of Clinical Embryology or higher degrees by research including course 3438 Master of Philosophy and 0047 Doctor of Philosophy, among others.