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Experimental Reproductive Physiology (BIOL30002)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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The program will provide students with the opportunity to gain a first-hand laboratory experience of the structure, function, and development of the reproductive organs, including selected aspects of the endocrine, neuroendocrine and environmental control of reproduction, fertilisation, pregnancy, parturition and lactation in mammals. Student will gain experience in experimental design, cutting-edge research techniques, data analysis, and scientific report writing and will be introduced to the practicalities of reproductive manipulation and assisted reproductive technologies.
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.
Last updated: 9 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
25 credit points from
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BCMB20002 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
BIOM20001 | Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
BIOM20002 | Human Structure and Function | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
25 |
CEDB20003 | Fundamentals of Cell Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
GENE20001 | Foundations of Genetics and Genomics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST20031 | Analysis of Biological Data | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYS20008 | Human Physiology |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
PHYS20009 | Research-Based Physiology |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
ZOOL20005 | Animal Structure and Function | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ZOOL20006 | Comparative Animal Physiology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Students with equivalent alternative backgrounds should discuss their options with the coordinator.
Corequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL30001 | Reproductive Physiology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Non-allowed subjects
Students who complete this subject cannot normally also gain credit for:
BIOL30008
BIOL30001 Reproduction (prior to 2013)
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
4 x Laboratory worksheets
| Throughout the semester | 35% |
Project proposal
| Week 6 | 5% |
Project report
| Week 11 | 50% |
Peer-reviewed group oral presentation
| Week 12 | 10% |
Additional details
The group presentation component will be partially assessed by other students. All students will be required to review group presentations of their peers. This will contribute to the total 10% allocated for the oral presentation.
Last updated: 9 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours Students are strongly encouraged to attend all lectures and pracs.
Additional delivery details
An enrolment quota of 40 students applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, enrolment deadlines and selection preferences, refer to the Faculty of Science website: http://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/course-planning-and-advice
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and field activities
Last updated: 9 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Zoology Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Zoology Major Zoology Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology specialisation Informal specialisation Molecular Biotechnology - Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 9 November 2022