Reproductive Biology

Unit Code

00591

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
University of Melbourne
7th Floor, The Royal Women's Hospital
Locked Bag 300
Parkville VIC 3052

web: www.obsgyn.unimelb.edu.au

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5-100

Coursework Points: 12.5

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Professor HWG Baker
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
University of Melbourne
7th Floor, The Royal Women's Hospital
Locked Bag 300
Parkville VIC 3052

tel: +61 3 8345 3700
fax: +61 3 8345 3702
email: g.baker@unimelb.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

• To provide an introduction to clinical research in reproductive medicine which includes evaluation and management of disorders the adult reproductive system of that affect fertility.
• To demonstrate the scope of reproductive medicine and the limitations of current knowledge of aetiological mechanisms.
• To facilitate development of critical appraisal techniques for research methods, data and publications.
• To increase competence in communicating research findings.

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Content

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

Research: A research project supervised by Prof Baker, Dr Liu or other researchers, involving data analysis either in the area of the epidemiology of infertility or results of infertility treatments or laboratory based research projects on semen analysis or human sperm function.

Sample Research Topics:

1. Factors affecting implantation, pregnancy and pregnancy loss rates with assisted reproductive technology.
2. Environmental, occupational or illness related effects on testicular function, male reproductive disorders, sperm production and time to pregnancy.
3. Automated methods for testing semen and sperm antibodies.
4. Defects of sperm function affecting human sperm-oocyte interaction.
5. Genetic causes of male infertility.

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 - 100 points
Research Report (up to 8000 words): 75%
Supervisors' assessment of two oral presentations:
1. Presentation of literature review and aims of the study: 10%
2. Research presentation on the outcome of the project: 15%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points (depending on Research Methods Course)
Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics OR Lab Techniques Course will be assessed as per subject description

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
2