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BMS406 Human Reproductive Biology (8)

Abstract

In this subject students will study aspects of human reproductive biology. Topics will include fertility, endocrine control of reproduction, ovarian and testicular function, fertilisation, implantation, embryonic and foetal development, parturition, lactation and neonatal development.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
DistanceWagga Wagga Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BMS406
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Biomedical Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • describe the structure of the organs of the reproductive system in males and females and indicate how this relates to function;
  • explain the processes of spermatogenesis, oogenesis and folliculogenesis, and be able to compare and contrast these processes;
  • describe the hormonal, tissue and behavioural changes that occur across the menstrual cycle and explain how these are regulated;
  • demonstate an understanding of the hormonal control of reproduction in males and how this is regulated;
  • describe the processes of sexual differentiation and explain some of the disorders that can occur in the process;
  • describe the anatomical and physiological changes that occur at puberty and explain the mechanisms behind these changes.  Identify factors that may influence the timing of puberty;
  • describe the changes that occur with menopause and andropause, indicate the mechanisms responsible for these changes, discuss how these changes may be managed and argue the risks/benefits associated with this management;
  • demonstrate understanding of gamete transport, and the cellular and molecular biology of sperm-egg interactions and fertilisation;
  • distinguish between the main stages of embryonic, foetal and neonatal development and explain the detection and causes of foetal disorders;
  • explain the maternal responses to and complications of  pregnancy;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the processes involved in normal and difficult births, evaluate the use of medications during labour and delivery,  and compare different birthing methods;
  • explain the processes involved in lactation and assess the advantages and disadvantages of breast and bottle feeding
  • describe the biological principles underlying contraceptive technology, and compare and contrast the various options for control of fertility;
  • examine the causation of, and compare and contrast techniques used to overcome infertility;
  • explain the origin and characteristics of common congenital malformations;
  • explain how sexually transmitted diseases may contribute to altered neonatal or reproductive function.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
Section 1: The Adult Female and Male Reproductive Systems
Topic 1 The brain and pituitary gland
Topic 2 The female reproductive system
Topic 3 The menstrual cycle
Topic 4 The male reproductive system

Section 2: Sexual Differentiation and Development
Topic 5 Sexual differentiation
Topic 6 Puberty
Topic 7 Reproductive Ageing

Section 3: Procreation
Topic 8 Gamete transport & fertilisation
Topic 9 Pregnancy
Topic 10 Labour & birth, lactation and neonatal life 

Section 4: Reproductive Health
Topic 11 Contraception
Topic 12 Infertility
Topic 13 Congenital malformations
Topic 14 Sexually transmitted disease

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.