Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Unit Code

00357

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The University of Melbourne
7th floor, Royal Women's Hospital
Locked Bag 300
Cnr Grattan St and Flemington Road
Parkville
Victoria 3052 Australia

web: www.obsgyn.unimelb.edu.au

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5/100

Coursework Points: 12.5/100

top of page

Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Prof Shaun Brennecke
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The University of Melbourne
7th floor, Royal Women's Hospital
Locked Bag 300
Cnr Grattan St and Flemington Road
Parkville
Victoria 3052 Australia

tel: +61 3 8345 3700
fax: +61 3 8345 3702
email: s.brennecke@unimelb.edu.au

top of page

Overall Objectives

Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology that focuses on research into and management of human pregnancy and its disorders.  Nowhere else in medicine is there the opportunity to make such an impact on the health of an individual.  An adverse intra-uterine environment may have far-reaching consequences, with the possibility of not only intra-uterine death, but also long-term neurological handicap, and even an increased rate of cardiovascular and endocrine ill health in adult life.

This subject is designed to:

• Provide an appreciation of the uniqueness of the intra-uterine environment and the physiological relationships of the mother and her unborn child
• Provide an understanding of fetal and placental biology and how it relates to the management of human pregnancy
• Develop an appreciation of the importance of research in determining best obstetric clinical practice
• Encourage critical review of the medical literature, particularly as it pertains to maternal-fetal medicine
• Develop skills in research design, and appreciation of research methodology and to provide experience in oral and written presentation of research data

top of page

Content

Coursework: 12.5 points (depending on research methods course)

Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics OR Lab Techniques Course will be assessed as per subject description

Research: An original, supervised research project.

Sample Research Topics:

Clinical Research

1. Anticoagulant use in pregnancy
   Project Supervisor: Dr Joanne Said
   email: jsaid@unimelb.edu.au
2. Investigation and management of fetal disorders
   Project Supervisor: Dr Ricardo Palma Dias
   email: ricardo.palmadias@thewomens.org.au
3. Studying Fetal movement
   Project Supervisor: Dr Christine East
   email: eastc@unimelb.edu.au
4. Recurrent miscarriage - investigations and management
   Project Supervisor: Dr Joanne Said
   email: jsaid@unimelb.edu.au

Clinical and/or Laboratory Research

1. Human endocrinology of human labour
   Project Supervisor: Dr Penny Sheehan
   email: penny.sheehan@thewomens.org.au
2. Prevention of preterm labour
   Project Supervisor: Dr Penny Sheehan
   email: penny.sheehan@thewomens.org.au
3. Obesity and endocrinology in pregnancy
   Project Supervisor: Dr Penny Sheehan
   email: penny.sheehan@thewomens.org.au
4. Thrombophilia disorders and pregnancy outcome
   Project Supervisor: Dr Joanne Said
   email:jsaid@unimelb.edu.au

Laboratory Research

1. Human placental stem cells
   Project Supervisor: Dr Bill Kalionis
   email: bill.kalionis@thewomens.org.au
2. Human placental function and pregnancy disorders
   Project Supervisor: Dr Neil Gude
   email: neil.gude@thewomens.org.au
3. Molecular basis of human fetal growth restriction
   Project Supervisor: Dr Padma Murthi
   email:padma@unimelb.edu.au
4. Feto-Maternal cellular interactions in placental development
   Project Supervisor: Dr Rosemary Keogh
   email: rosemary.keogh@thewomens.org.au
5. Cellular mechanisms of placental development
   Project Supervisor: Dr Maria Kokkinos
   email: maria.kokkinos@thewomens.org.au

top of page

Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 - 100 points
Research Report (up to 8,000 words): 75%
Oral presentation of research findings: 25%

Coursework Component: 0-12.5 points (depending on Research Methods Course)

Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics OR Lab Techniques Course will be assessed as per subject description

top of page

Student Numbers

Number of places available:
8-10