OB&GYNAE 3001 - Reproductive Biology

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

In this course, students will investigate the biological processes of reproduction, including the endocrinology and physiology of male and female reproduction, puberty, lactation and menopause. They will gain an understanding of the determinants of fertility and infertility, and how reproductive biotechnology is used to overcome poor fertility. This course will also include a focus on the biology of normal and disordered pregnancy. Students will explore how reproductive biology impacts other aspects of health, exploring implications of early life exposures for later health and of the biology of reproductive cancers. Social and ethical implications of reproductive technologies and research will be discussed within appropriate topics. Students will have opportunities to hear from scientists and practitioners with relevant expertise. Active learning will be encouraged, for example, through guided reading and group exercises. Students will enhance skills in analysis of literature and in creating a coherent written account of a body of work.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code OB&GYNAE 3001
    Course Reproductive Biology
    Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange
    Prerequisites ANAT SC 2109 or MEDIC ST 1000B
    Incompatible OB&GYNAE 3000, ANAT SC 3102
    Course Description In this course, students will investigate the biological processes of reproduction, including the endocrinology and physiology of male and female reproduction, puberty, lactation and menopause. They will gain an understanding of the determinants of fertility and infertility, and how reproductive biotechnology is used to overcome poor fertility. This course will also include a focus on the biology of normal and disordered pregnancy. Students will explore how reproductive biology impacts other aspects of health, exploring implications of early life exposures for later health and of the biology of reproductive cancers. Social and ethical implications of reproductive technologies and research will be discussed within appropriate topics. Students will have opportunities to hear from scientists and practitioners with relevant expertise. Active learning will be encouraged, for example, through guided reading and group exercises. Students will enhance skills in analysis of literature and in creating a coherent written account of a body of work.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Peirce

    Course Coordinators:

    Dr Eleanor Peirce and Prof Mark Nottle
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1 Demonstrate an understanding of major aspects of male and female reproductive biology over the life course.
    2 Demonstrate an understanding of the biology of normal pregnancy and disorders of pregnancy.
    3 Explain current practice and developments in contraception, management of subfertility and infertility, and approaches to prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders, including their underlying biology.
    4 Discuss social and ethical aspects of reproductive technologies and research.
    5 Locate, evaluate and synthesise evidence related to reproductive biology.
    6 Communicate scientific information clearly and concisely in spoken and written English.
    7 Work effectively as an individual and in groups in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3, 4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    4, 5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    6, 7

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1 - 7

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    5, 6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4, 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There is no set textbook for this course. All resources, including the links to journal articles and reading lists, will be disseminated via MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    Identification of, and access to, recommended resources for specific course topics will occur via the course site in MyUni.
    Online Learning
    The primary means of communication outside of formal contact hours will be via MyUni. Announcements and discussion boards will be the main method of communicating with the student cohort. Course material will be supported by online resources via MyUni. Material will be sequentially released in line with the teaching and learning activities in each week.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Online presentations/lectures will be used to introduce topics and theoretical considerations, and will also provide opportunities to hear from scientists and medical practitioners with relevant expertise.

    Workshop time will be used in a range of ways to develop the theoretical and practical concepts raised in online presentations and lectures: for example, to share and provide feedback on independent learning tasks, journal club activities to develop, practice and demonstrate skills in evaluating literature, discussions/debates of controversies and uncertainties, to undertake group exercises, and for student presentations illustrating their understanding and ability to apply theoretical considerations to actual situations.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    In addition to viewing the weekly online presentation and attendance at the workshop (3 hours per week commitment), it is expected that students will undertake an additional 6-9 hours of study per week in preparation for workshops and in completion of assessment tasks. 
    Learning Activities Summary
    Online presentations and workshops address the following topic areas (actual content and emphasis may vary from year to year).
    1. Reproductive life course; physiology and endocrinology of male and female reproduction, gamete development, puberty and menopause
    2. Determinants of fertility and infertility; including environmental/physiological factors, pregnancy recognition, immune tolerance
    3. Fertilisation, conception and congenital abnormalities
    4. Biology of pregnancy; including embryonic development, implantation & placentation, fetal development, maternal adaptations to pregnancy, parturition, disorders of pregnancy (SGA/IUGR, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm delivery)
    5. Lactation
    6. Developmental origins of health and disease
    7. Reproductive (hormone-driven) cancers
    Studentas have the opportunity to investigate and apply concepts from several of these topics in greater detail by completing 2 essays during the semester. 
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Quizzes: 10%

    Essay plan (by week 4): 10%

    2 written essays (20% each): 40%

    Workshop Preparation and Participation: 10%

    Final exam: 30%

    Assessment Detail
    Workshop Preparation and Participation – 10% weighting 
    Students are required to prepare in advance for each week's workshop. Each student's contributions to the prepared materials will be assessed, as well as their overall engagement and participation in workshop discussions.

    Essay Plan – 10% weighting
    Students will complete a plan for their first essay on one of a choice of topics, designed to allow focus and research in an area of particular interest. Individual feedback will be provided to each student via MyUni. Students are expected to use this feedback as they write their complete essay.

    Essays – 2 x 2000 words,  weighting of 20% each
    Students are required to write two 2000 word essays. Guidelines and a choice of topics for each essay are provided via MyUni. Each essay is designed to allow focus and research in an area of particular interest. Individual feedback will be provided to each student via MyUni.
     
    Quizzes:  10% weighting
    Students will complete four (4) online summative quizzes based on online presentation content and associated readings in weeks 4, 7, 10 and 13 of semester. The best three (3) of the four (4) quiz marks contribute to the 10% summative assessment weighting.

    Exam - 30% weighting
    A 2-hour exam is held at the end of semester in the official University examination period. The exam contains questions that address content delivered in the weekly topic modules. Students are required to answer any six of the examination questions.
    Submission
    Assessments will be submitted online via MyUni and feedback will be provided electronically.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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