Problems in Human Reproduction 4B option BIOL4117

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course will explore current problems in reproduction such as causes of infertility. The course will also discuss recent advances in scientific research related to understanding and treating these problems.

Timetable

This option is assigned to block S2-B. Normally, 3 hours of teaching on Tuesdays. 

Requirements of Entry

Normally, only available to final-year School of Life Sciences students in a Degree Group C (Human Life Sciences group) programme. Visiting students may be allowed to enrol, at the discretion of the School of Life Sciences Chief Adviser and the Course Coordinator. 

Excluded Courses

None.

Assessment

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment consisting of 2 components: a group presentation (10%) and lay writing assignment (15%). The group presentation will be individually assessed, with each student taking responsibility for researching and presenting one area of the selected topic.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable for Honours courses

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

The course aims to explore issues of current interest in reproductive biology, some of which concern reproductive technology (such as in vitro fertilisation and contraception) while others reflect areas of research interest (such as ovarian stem cells). 

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Discuss normal reproductive processes and early conceptus development;

■ Assess problems in reproduction and current technologies to overcome these;

■ Evaluate the use of various laboratory techniques in reproductive research;

■ Critique recent advances in reproductive research.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.