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Course Description

The process of sexual reproduction is a critical driver of population genetics, facilitating trait variations that shape our biosphere. This course will establish knowledge of animal physiology and reproduction by examining the tissues, organs, and cells that govern the life cycle. The course will uncover the biological processes that drive the formation of the female and male gametes, how these cells form a new body, and factors that may disrupt these critical processes. Indeed, the programming, founded in the gametes, provides the trajectory for embryo development and the establishment of a new individual. This course will also focus on the development and physiology of some key organs, including the circulatory and nervous systems, as well as the organs that provide reproductive capacity, completing the reproductive life cycle. Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development focuses on mammalian systems but also uses other animal systems as models to advance our understanding. During the course, we will also discuss the technologies currently used and the latest scientific inroads into assisted reproduction or 'IVF' for mammals, including livestock.

Course Content

• Gamete development
• Fertilisation
• Molecular mechanisms of early development
• Amphibian, chicken, and mammalian early development
• Sex differentiation and gonad development
• Reproductive hormones and regulation of testicular and ovarian function
• The nervous system (Brain and Spinal Cord)
• Muscle structure and movement
• Gas exchange, circulation, metabolism, and energetic activities

Enrolment Requirements

Assumed Knowledge

• BIOL1001
• BIOL1002
• BIOL2050

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Summarise the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis and justify the importance of sperm post-testicular maturation events required for fertilisation.
2. Link the molecular mechanisms of early embryo development and explain the mechanisms involved in embryo development, sexual differentiation, and organogenesis.
3. Differentiate the reproductive hormones and describe how reproductive processes are regulated by the endocrine system.
4. Outline the basic structure and control processes of the nervous systems and explain the molecular processes of how muscle movement is achieved.
5. Integrate and explain the basic operations of the nervous and circulatory systems as well as the nutritional requirements of animals.
6. Interpret experimental data, assimilate research articles, prepare figures and tables, and communicate an understanding of animal reproduction and physiology via the production of scientific reports.

Availability

• Semester 1
  • Location: Callaghan
  • Delivery mode: Face to Face

Contact Hours

Lecture

• Duration: 2 hour(s) per week
• Number of sessions: 2 week(s)
• Starting week: 10
• Delivery mode: Face to Face On Campus

Workshop

• Duration: 1 hour(s) per week
• Number of sessions: 2 week(s)
• Starting week: 10
• Delivery mode: Face to Face On Campus

Assessments

• In-Class Test 1
  • Type: In Term Test
  • Weighting (%): 20
  • Formative or Summative: Summative
  • Individual or group work: Individual
• In-Class Test 2
  • Type: In Term Test
  • Weighting (%): 20
  • Formative or Summative: Summative
  • Individual or group work: Individual
• In-Class Test 3
  • Type: In Term Test
  • Weighting (%): 20
  • Formative or Summative: Summative
  • Individual or group work: Individual
• Workshop Exercises & Reports
  • Type: Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises
  • Weighting (%): 40
  • Formative or Summative: Summative
  • Individual or group work: Individual

Additional Information

This course is available to be undertaken as an elective.

Course Details

• Study level: Undergraduate
• Course level: 3000-level
• Units: 10
• College: College of Engineering Science and Environment
• School: School of Environmental and Life Sciences