ANAT SC 3102 - Comparative Reproductive Biology of Mammals III
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2016
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code ANAT SC 3102 Course Comparative Reproductive Biology of Mammals III Coordinating Unit Medical Sciences Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 6 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assumed Knowledge ANAT SC 2109 or ANAT SC 2500 or ANAT SC 2200 or ANAT SC 2501 Assessment Mid semester test 10%, written exam 60%, project/essay 25%, tutorial participation 5% Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Peirce
Course Coordinator:
Dr Eleanor Peirce
Phone: +61 8 8313 5191
Email: eleanor.peirce@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Room N131b, level 1, Medical School North
In addition to the course coordinator, the following people contribute to teaching.
Lecture & Seminar Presenters:
Emeritus Prof Bill Breed
Phone: +61 8 8313 5743
Email: william.breed@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Room N120, level 1, Medical School North
Prof Lisa Butler (SAHMRI)
Phone: +61 8 8128 4360
Email: lisa.butler@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Frank Grutzner
Phone: +61 8 8313
Email: frank.grutzner@adelaide.edu.au
Assoc Prof Wendy Ingman (QEH)
Phone: +61 8 8222 6141
Email: wendy.ingman@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Greg Johnston (Nature Foundation SA)
Dr Karen Kind (Roseworthy)
Phone: +61 8 8313 7693
Email: karen.kind@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Michelle Lane
Phone: +61 8 8313 8176
Email: michelle.lane@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Nicole McPherson
Phone: +61 8 8313 8201
Email: nicole.mcpherson@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Ian Musgrave
Phone: +61 8 8313 3905
Email: ian.musgrave@adelaide.edu.au
Ms Diana Payne
Prof Claire Roberts
Phone: +61 8 8313 3118
Email: claire.roberts@adelaide.edu.au
Prof Sarah Robertson
Phone: +61 8 8313 4094
Email: sarah.robertson@adelaide.edu.au
Prof Ray Rodgers
Phone: +61 8 8313 3932
Email: ray.rodgers@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Gerard Tarulli
Phone: +61 8 8222 3240
Email: gerard.tarulli@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Deirdre Zander-Fox (Repromed)
Phone: +61 8 8333 8111
Email: dzander@repromed.com.au
Tutors/Project Supervisors:
Hanna McLennan
Phone: +61 8 8313 8182
Email: hanna.mclennan@adelaide.edu.au
Romany Stansborough
Phone: +61 8 8313 5743
Email: romany.stansborough@adelaide.edu.au
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1 Understand the basic science and concepts underpinning comparative mammalian reproductive biology. 2 Gain knowledge and understanding of the morphology, cell biology and function of mammalian reproductive organs (gonads, reproductive tracts, accessory glands) and gametes, and events of fertilisation, implantation, placentation and early embryonic development. 3 Explain how knowledge of reproductive processes can be applied to contraceptive practices, population control and management of sub/infertility, and assist in the development of technologies appropriate for conserving rare and endangered mammal species and maximising livestock production. 4 Understand how knowledge of reproductive biology informs new approaches to the treatment and/or prevention of reproductive disorders and diseases including fetal rejection, breast and prostate cancers. 5 Demonstrate skills in planning and conducting a research project, including interpretation and critical analysis of existing literature, hypothesis formulation and testing, use of appropriate methods, appropriate time management, and production of a research paper incorporating appropriate reproductive biology terminology and referencing of sources. 6 Demonstrate awareness of the skills and values required to work in the field of human reproductive health and animal reproduction. 7 Develop competence in the use of various microscopical techniques. 8 Work collaboratively in groups, and individually, in the pursuit of scientific knowledge, and effectively communicate outcomes to others. 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) Deep discipline knowledge
- informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
- acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
- accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
1, 2, 3, 4 Critical thinking and problem solving
- steeped in research methods and rigor
- based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
- demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
5 Teamwork and communication skills
- developed from, with, and via the SGDE
- honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
- encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
5, 8 Career and leadership readiness
- technology savvy
- professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
- forward thinking and well informed
- tested and validated by work based experiences
5, 6, 7 Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
- open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
- able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
5, 8 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
M H Johnson (2013) Essential Reproduction 7th Edition. Publisher - Blackwell, OxfordRecommended Resources
C R Austin & R V Short (1982) Reproduction in Mammals, Second edition, Volumes 1 – 3. Cambridge University Press, CambridgeOnline Learning
All resources for the course (course and assessment timelines, lecture and tutorial notes, links to essential and extension readings etc.) can be accessed via MyUni. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Course materials are presented via a series of lectures and tutorial/seminar classes, a number of which are led by researchers who are nationally and internationally renowned in their fields. The practical component of the course involves the preparation of a research proposal and subsequent conduct of a project related to a specific topic in reproductive biology.
Attendance and participation at the tutorials/seminars and the submission of a written research report at the end of the project are essential for successful completion of this course. A short test is held after the mid-semester break, at which time students have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of topics from the first half of the course and receive feedback, in preparation for the final examination.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Students are expected to carry out independent reading of research papers around the research topic of their project and to gain a comprehensive knowledge of that field so that they can put their research findings into context of what has already been published. They will be expected to write up the report of their project in the form of a research paper suitable for submission to a relevant scientific journal for publication. They should expect to spend at least 3-4 hours per week on their project work and an additional 1-2 hours per week undertaking reading of the scientific literature relevant to the project.
In addition to attending the tutorial/seminar classes and lectures (or viewing lectures via MyMedia), students should spend 3 hours per teaching week preparing for and revising course materials presented in these classes.
Learning Activities Summary
Week
Lecture Number
Topic
1
1
What is reproduction?
2
Sex determination & differentiation in mammals
2
3
Evolution of sex determining mechanisms
4
Testis endocrine function; steroid biosynthetic pathway and androgen control of spermatogenesis
3
5
Mammalian testis exocrine function, spermatogenesis and the development of sperm form during spermiogenesis
6
Male germ cell dynamics - cycles and waves of the seminiferous epithelium, efficiency of production and extratesticular sperm maturation
4
7
Clinical aspects of andrology
8
Accessory sex gland functions and sperm transport in the female tract
5
9
Oogenesis and ovarian follicular development
10
Ovary-pituitary-hypothalamic inter-relationships
6
11
The ovary: development, morphology and endocrine activity
12
Mammalian ovarian and uterine cycles; variations in length and control by various luteotrophic and luteolytic mechanisms
7
13
Sperm-egg interactions, egg coat penetration, sperm-oolemma binding and fusion, fertilisation and zygote formation
14
Early conceptus development and embryonic programming
8
15
Comparative aspects of early embryo development in eutherian and marsupial mammals
16
Reproductive technology & its application to overcoming subfertility & infertility in humans
9
17
Reproductive technology and its application to livestock breeding and maximising production 18
Reproductive technology & its application to conservation of rare and endangered species of mammals
10
19
Immunology of reproduction and why the fetus is not rejected by the mother
20
Development of milk synthesis and secretion; lactation
11
21
Cell biology of breast cancer
22
Cell biology of prostatic cancer
12
23
Cell biology of placentation in humans 24
Control of fertility and biological basis of contraceptive technology
Tutorial topics are variable but may include the following:
- The Red Queen Hypothesis – its significance & importance
- Research project workshops - writing a proposal, effective presentation
- Sexual selection
- Discussion of post-meiotic sperm development and evolution of sperm form
- Evolution of oviparity and viviparity in mammals
- Comparative aspects of gonad and gamete form and function
- Lifestyle influences on male fertility
- Monotreme reproduction and its seasonality
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection of human eggs - its advantages and disadvantages
- Australia’s future population trends and predictions on environmental sustainability (Australian Academy of Sciences video)
Small Group Discovery Experience
For the practical component of the course, small groups of students (maximum of 4 per group) will undertake a research project on some aspect of reproductive biology. A list of topics, that takes into account the resources and material available, is provided to students at the beginning of the course. The project will introduce students to the various stages of the research process, from the development of a research proposal, formulation of an hypothesis, and execution of a series of experiments to investigate the topic in hand, to critical evaluation of results, discussion of their significance in terms of the current literature, and the preparation of a research report in the form of a scientific paper. Typically the conduct of the research will involve the use of a variety of microscopical techniques that will be supervised by either the course coordinator or the tutors/teaching assistants. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Research Project Timeline:Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed Project proposal Formative N/A 1, 2, 5 Midsemester test (on materials presented in weeks 1 to 6) Summative 10% 1, 2 Tutorial/Seminar participation Summative 5% 1, 2, 6, 8 Project seminars (progress & final) Formative N/A 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 Research report Summative 25% 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 Final exam Summative 60% 1, 2, 3, 4
- Background reading and preparation of a draft research proposal - Weeks 1-3
- Submission of draft research proposal - 5.00pm Wednesday Week 3
- Appointment with coordinator or project supervisor for discussion and evaluation of draft research proposal - during practical time, Friday of week 3
- Submission of revised research proposal - 5.00pm Monday Week 4
- Execution of research project - Weeks 4-11 (including mid-semester break) - expected workload = 3-4 hours/student/week
- Project progress seminar - during practical time, Friday of week 8
- Project final seminar (feedback opportunity prior to submission of final report) - during practical time, Friday of week 12
- Submission of final research report - 5.00pm, Monday Week 13
Assessment Detail
Students will be assessed on their theoretical knowledge base in both the midsemester test and in the end of semester examination. Each student's ability to synthesise relevant literature, plan a research project and analyse data using relevant statistical methods will be assessed in the written research project submission at the completion of the semester.Submission
Tutorial activities/seminar analyses must be submitted online via Assignments in MyUni by no later than 5.00pm Friday of the week in which the class is held unless otherwise stated.
The final research report must be submitted online via Turnitin in MyUni by the advertised submission deadline. Reports submitted later than the advertised deadline (5.00pm Monday Week 13 ) will be marked "without prejudice", but marking penalties of 10% of the total available points per day (24 hour period or fraction thereof) will apply. An automatic zero mark will be applied after 7 days.
The submission deadline time will be strictly enforced according to the digital time displayed in MyUni. Weekends and public holidays ARE included as penalty days. Reports submitted to any location other than those specified will not be accepted. This includes submissions to personal staff email addresses.
Note that submission dates may be extended under exceptional circumstances. Please refer to the . All circumstances that might prevent compliance with assessment deadlines (formative or summative), should be discussed at the earliest opportunity with the course coordinator, and a formal application for an extension should be submitted. Upon receipt of an application for extension, staff may:
- Refuse permission for extension, specifyingthe appropriate reason(s); or
- Grant permission for extension without penalty; or
- Grant permission for extension with a penalty as guided by the Modified arrangements for coursework assessment policy.
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 .
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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.
All lectures will have a summary on MyUni and where possible the lectures will be recorded. -
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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