This course is offered by the Education Program in Reproduction and Development (EPRD), in the Monash Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology with significant input from the Ritchie Centre for Baby Health Research and other centres in the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash IVF. Other Monash departments that participate in the course include anatomy and developmental biology, paediatrics, physiology, pharmacology and the School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies. 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, assisted reproduction and conservation, 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 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).
Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that 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.
The course consists of seven units. You will develop a broad knowledge of reproductive biology for current human clinical and veterinary medicine, and comparative reproduction, captive breeding and wildlife conservation. You will also explore the associated social and ethical issues in regard to fertility regulation and treatment of infertility and the associated assisted reproductive and genetic technologies.
Your theoretical learning is supported by practical skills training and a minor research project.
The course comprises seven units (48 points).
Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.
Students complete:
- GRS4101 Introduction to reproductive endocrinology (12 points)
- GRS4102 Gonadal development and function
- GRS4103 Pregnancy and parturition
- 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 M6010 Master of Clinical Embryology or the 0100 Master of Reproductive Sciences.
