Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Lectures Eight 50-minute lectures per week over approximately twenty weeks. Some of the topics covered include physiology of human and animal reproduction - testes, vas and accessory glands, penis, ovaries, uterus, and estrous and menstrual cycles; fertilisation and its manipulation - IVF, cryopreservation and artificial storage of gametes and embryos, semen collection and analysis, development of preimplantation embryo, and implantation; regulation of fertility - tubal ligation, abortion, steroid contraception, natural family planning, condoms, vasectomy, and vasectomy reversal; infertility - its diagnosis and treatment in men and women; ethics; sexually transmitted diseases; pregnancy and parturition - placental structure and function, fetal development, reproductive and developmental toxicology, and pregnancy and parturition disorders; neonates - fetal and neonatal monitoring, neonatal intensive care, SIDS.
Practical classes Practical classes provide students with the necessary laboratory and research skills required to undertake research. These are divided into basic laboratory skills; tissue culture; and statistics.
Journal club A fortnightly journal club provides students with experience in reviewing, discussing and analysing scientific journal articles in a tutorial format.
Specialisation The course caters to a wide variety of interests by allowing students to concentrate on particular areas of reproductive biology. Students can develop skills and specialised expertise in one of the following areas: human reproduction; animal reproduction; women's health; molecular and cellular endocrinology; fetal and neonatal physiology; and embryology.
Assignments and practical electives The assignments consist of literature reviews on specific areas of reproductive biology. Assignment supervisors assist in selection and refinement of topics and research. The practical electives involve students in a series of related practical laboratory skills in their chosen research area.
Research project Students undertake a short-term self-contained project applying a variety of different techniques and consolidating their practical skills.
Assessment Written assignment: 25% + Practical class (core and elective): 20% + Research project: 20% + Written examinations: 35%