BMS 409 -- Human and Animal Reproductive Biology

Course Description: Basis for male and female reproductive function in humans and animals

Course Objectives:

Students will be able to describe and identify major issues associated with normal and abnormal reproductive biology
Students will be able to describe the abnormalities associated with fertilization and early development
Students will be able to describe diseases (non-sexually transmitted) of the male and female reproductive systems and be able to propose appropriate treatments
Students will be able to describe the methodologies and basis for assisted reproductive technologies and associated ethical considerations

Prerequisites: BMS 300 or BMS 360

Format: 3 credits - 3 hours of lecture per week

Semesters Offered: Fall

Coordinator: T. Nett

Text: Human Reproductive Biology, Richard E. Jones, 2006, 3rd edition, Academic Press

Course Outline:

Week 1:           Introduction and Development of the male and female reproductive systems
Week 2:          Puberty and maturation of male and female reproductive system
Week 3:          Anatomy of the male reproductive system
Week 4:          Endocrine regulation of the male reproductive system and Spermatogenesis
Week 5:          Anatomy of the female reproductive system
Week 6:          Endocrine regulation of the female reproductive system – the menstrual cycle
Week 7:          Fertilization and associated genetic anomalies
Week 8:          Embryonic development and signaling to the mother that it is present, and maintenance of pregnancy until parturition
Week 9:          Initiation of parturition and childbirth, and maternal transfer of immunity, lactation, and its effects on the menstrual cycle
Week 10:         Birth control options
Week 11:         Birth control options continued
Week 12:         Naturally occurring diseases of the reproductive systems and their treatments – not sexually transmitted diseases
Week 13:         Naturally occurring diseases of the reproductive systems and their treatments – not sexually transmitted diseases
Week 14:         Assisted reproductive technologies
Week 15:         Ethical considerations associated with assisted reproductive technologies

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