Reproductive Physiology

Code

BIOS2011

School

Biosciences

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

Reproductive Physiology of both male and female mammals including comparative information for farm animals and human. Reproductive physiological processes and their regulation from gametogenesis to fertilization and preparations for a successful pregnancy. Development of mammary glands and hormonal regulation of lactation will also be discussed. Principal features of avian reproduction and the avian maintenance of calcium homeostasis for efficient egg formation. Hormonal regulation of egg laying with emphasis on the nutritional and metabolic challenges associated with commercial rates of egg lay.   

Target Students

BSc/MSci Animal Science, UG Agriculture, UG Agriculture and Livestock Science, BSc/MSci Biotechnology, BSc/MSci Biology, BSc/MSci Life Sciences, BSc/MSci Zoology, BSc/MSci Natural Sciences and BSc Hons Nutrition with Industrial Year (IUVNU) students.

Classes

Hands-on practicals have been changed to online dissection demonstrations that are performed by experts and are very nicely recorded. This helps students to understand the taught subject matter and provide additional understanding when observing live dissection. This can be viewed multiple times and helps students when preparing for assessment. Obtaining fresh dissection material from a slaughter-house has not been possible, especially during Covid-19 conditions, and this material is also not tested for any pathogens. With prevailing bird flu, obtaining poultry animals is also not risk-free. Moreover, these students are not trained as for example the Veterinary Science students are. Hence, switching over to taught and online dissection demonstrations will also favour the 3Rs principle of not culling 40-60 animals (chickens) per year when a clean and clear demonstration provides a much better option.

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): ExamSys exam

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
Detailed understanding of the anatomy of male and female mammalian reproductive systems across different animal species in comparison to human. 
Endocrine control of gamete production and various reproduction-associated physiologies.
Recent advances in reproductive physiology at a molecular level.
Be able to give examples of how reproductive processes are modulated by the environment. Understand the concept of oestrous and menstrual cycle control and manipulation.
Be familiar with common terminology associated with reproductive physiology and technology.
Have a sound understanding of the physiology of the domestic fowl as it relates to egg production.
Know the location, structure and principles that underlie lactation and its wide-ranging impact on the life of mammals.

Intellectual Skills:
Be able to relate information about specific parts of the reproductive system to the general principles of function which they illustrate.
Be able to retrieve, evaluate and integrate information from a range of sources.
Critical appraisal of normal reproductive function in various species.
Understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions.

Practical demonstration:
Observe live dissections that will help in further understanding of the taught contents and in learning dissection skills.  

Transferable Skills:
Use of available resources to access the primary literature.
Identify the gaps in current knowledge to use in future research.

Conveners

• Dr Ravinder Anand-Ivell