Experimental Reproductive Physiology (BIOL30002)

Intended learning outcomes

This subject aims to give students of science and biomedical science a solid foundation in laboratory practise in reproductive biology. Students will be provided with an opportunity to engage in an authentic experience of scientific research: addressing questions in reproductive physiology to generate a hypothesis; designing an experiment; hands-on experience in the use of experimental animals; working in a group to complete the experiments and collect and analyse the data; writing up an individual final report in the format of a scientific manuscript; and peer-review.

By the completion of this subject students should:

• understand the modern experimental approaches of reproductive physiology and assisted reproductive techniques;
• be aware of the ethical issues in using animals for experimental studies;
• understand and be able to apply selected methods used in reproductive physiology research;
• understand the structure and function of male and female reproductive systems;
• understand neuroendocrine and endocrine control systems and their role in the regulation of reproductive processes; and
• understand the process by which scientists move from an original idea to a final published paper.

Generic skills

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature, and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results. Students should acquire the basic skills required to make and record scientific observations, and evaluate data in an objective manner as part of practical class report writing. They will be encouraged to access information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources, and to develop the skills needed to produce scientific reports that are succinct, clear and completed on time. They should develop their abilities to evaluate scientific evidence critically, to formulate hypotheses, and be alert to alternative explanations. Students should also gain first-hand experience in the ethical use of animals in experimentation. Students will undertake practical work in a small group and will refine their skills in cooperative teamwork.