University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics

 

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Unit of study descriptions

MEDF4001 Medicine Research A

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit and the associated units, MEDF4002, MEDF4003, MEDF4004, and MEDF4005, are research units of study. The contents and assessments are determined according to each individual student's needs.
MEDF4002 Medicine Research B

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: MEDF4001 Mode of delivery: Supervision
See MEDF4001.
MEDF4003 Medicine Research C

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: MEDF4002 Mode of delivery: Supervision
See MEDF4001.
MEDF4004 Medicine Research D

Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: MEDF4003 Mode of delivery: Supervision
See MEDF4001
PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Tim Driscoll Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 1hr lecture and 1x 2hr tutorial per week for 13 weeks - lectures and tutorials may be completed online Prohibitions: BSTA5011,CEPI5100 Assessment: 1x 6 page assignment (30%) and 1x 2.5hr supervised open-book exam (70%). For distance students, it may be possible to complete the exam externally with the approval of the course coordinator Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides students with core skills in epidemiology, particularly the ability to critically appraise public health and clinical epidemiological research literature. This unit covers: study types; measures of frequency and association; measurement bias; confounding/effect modification; randomized trials; systematic reviews; screening and test evaluation; infectious disease outbreaks; measuring public health impact and use and interpretation of population health data. It is expected that students spend an additional 2-3 hours at least preparing for their tutorials.
Textbooks
Webb, PW. Bain, CJ. and Pirozzo, SL. Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals Second Edition: Cambridge University Press 2011.
PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Kevin McGeechan and Associate Professor Patrick Kelly Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 x 2hr lecture, 10 x 1hr lectures, 11 x 2hr tutorials, 2 x 1hr and 8 x 0.5hr statistical computing self directed learning tasks over 12 weeks - lectures and tutorials may be completed online Assessment: 1x4 page assignment (30%) and 1x2.5hr open-book exam (70%). For distance students it may be possible to complete the exam externally with the approval of the course coordinator. Mode of delivery: Online
This unit aims to provide students with an introduction to statistical concepts, their use and relevance in public health. This unit covers descriptive analyses to summarise and display data; concepts underlying statistical inference; basic statistical methods for the analysis of continuous and binary data; and statistical aspects of study design. Specific topics include: sampling; probability distributions; sampling distribution of the mean; confidence interval and significance tests for one-sample, two paired samples and two independent samples for continuous data and also binary data; correlation and simple linear regression; distribution-free methods for two paired samples, two independent samples and correlation; power and sample size estimation for simple studies; statistical aspects of study design and analysis. Students will be required to perform analyses using a calculator and will also be required to conduct analyses using statistical software (SPSS). It is expected that students spend an additional 2 hours per week preparing for their tutorials. Computing tasks are self-directed.
Textbooks
Course notes are provided.
RHHG5005 Reproductive Sciences and Medicine

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Robert Jansen Session: Semester 2a Classes: 7x4hr lectures Assessment: essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit covers the following topics: reproductive cycle 1 (hypothalamus and pituitary); gamete approximation and fertilisation biology; ovarian function, oogenesis and ovulation; testicular function, spermatogenesis, male accessory organs; sexual physiology; reproductive cycle 2 (ovary and genital tract); implantation, embryogenesis; placentation; fetal development - ultrasound perspective; endocrinology of pregnancy and parturition; lactation; puberty and menstruation; menopause; effects of reproductive steroids on metabolism and other body systems; gonadal differentiation and genital development.
RHHG5006 Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Ian Fraser Session: Semester 2b Classes: 5x4hr lectures Assessment: essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit identifies significant issues in reproductive, maternal and child health, gives an overview of existing services for these population groups, and emphasises preventive health programs.
RHHG5007 Clinical Reproductive Medicine

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Mark Bowman Session: Semester 1a Classes: 7x4hr lectures Assessment: Essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit covers the following areas of reproductive medicine: puberty, virility and male infertility, menstrual cycle and menstrual symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhoea, menopause, amenorrhoea, ovulation induction, endometriosis, spontaneous abortion and recurrent abortion, contraception, psychosexual disorders, venereal diseases, subfertility and infertility, reproductive technology, assisted conception. This course is based on pre-reading provided prior to each lecture and followed by a two-hour tutorial, during which case studies provide material for investigation and management discussions. This will enable participants to develop a problem-solving approach to clinical management. Participants are required to present a case on at least one occasion during the semester.
RHHG5008 Counselling 1

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Agi O'Hara Session: Semester 1b Classes: 2x7hr and 3x3 hr lectures Assessment: group oral presentation (50%), individual written report (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit concentrates on listening skills, principles of communication, group dynamics, competing theoretical perspectives, crisis management and an examination of values and ideology. The candidate will develop basic counselling skills for future application to reproduction counselling. The course is interactive, with the expectation that participants will present orally as well as be assessed through written work.
RHHG5010 Reproductive Sciences

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Michael Sinosich Session: Semester 1 Classes: 9x4hr lectures Assessment: Essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit covers the following topics: cell structure and function; intracellular signalling and intercellular communication; cryobiology; steroidogenesis; steroid hormones and receptors; peptide hormone biochemistry and receptors; the social interaction of cells; regulation of cell division; molecular motors; contractility of smooth muscle, cilia and flagella; pathogenesis of PA11; rhesus incompatibility; XGR; recurrent abortion; protein structure and function, structure and function of complex carbohydrates; fetal monitoring; ultrasound, amniocentesis, CVS; radiation and thermal stress; birth defects and their causes; immunological processes in reproduction.
RHHG5011 Clinical or Laboratory Attachments

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Robert Markham Session: Semester 2b Classes: Clinical/laboratory experience of at least 12 hours Assessment: Experience report Mode of delivery: Clinical experience
Organised individually for small groups, students keep log books of work undertaken and observed and include presentation of clinical cases or laboratory problems.
RHHG5012 Counselling 2

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Agi O'Hara Session: Semester 2b Classes: 3x4hr lectures Assessment: presentation (60%), and essay assignment (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit concentrates on the process of counselling, making links between microskills and building an 'intentional interviewing' style. The microskills of challenging and confrontation are given prominence and participants are expected to reflect on their practice and the appropriateness of challenging and confronting clients. The candidate will develop basic counselling skills for future application to reproduction counselling. Ethical issues for counselling practice, with a particular focus on the ethical dimensions regarding reproductive medicine, are examined.
RHHG5013 Ethical, Social, Legal and Privacy Issues

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Douglas Saunders AM Session: Semester 2a Classes: 6x4hr lectures Assessment: oral presentation (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The objective is for the student to know relevant legal principles and their application to reproductive health sciences and genetics. To understand the concept of ethical reasoning and apply to issues in reproductive medicine. To research an issue in reproductive medicine and genetics and discuss in terms of ethical, social and legal perspectives.
Case studies are used to initiate discussion of these issues. Topics include active and passive euthanasia; artificial insemination; assisted conception and embryo experimentation; abortion; legal rights of parents, fetuses and infants; relationships between parents, doctors and other health care providers; informed consent; errors in diagnosis; peer review; hospital and clinical records; population-based data systems.
RHHG5014 Fertility Control

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Edith Weisberg Session: Semester 2b Classes: 4x3hr lectures Assessment: essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit ncourages a practical approach to fertility control and enables students to develop skills in the provision of contraceptive services. The following topics are covered: general issues in fertility control; contraceptive choice; benefits and risks of contraception; legal aspects; contraceptive counselling; availability of contraceptives; development of new contraceptives and details of specific methods of contraception including behavioural methods, barrier methods, intra-uterine devices, steroidal contraceptives, contra contragestion and abortion, immunological methods, and status of male contraception. Lectures build on pre-reading provided. Tutorials require student presentation and discussion of issues. A written assignment is required during the semester. Assessment is based on presentations during tutorials and on the written assignment.
RHHG5015 Lab Assessment of Reproductive Function

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Kath Peters Session: Semester 2b Classes: 3x4hr lectures Assessment: essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Concentrates on the technology and interpretation of assay techniques. The appropriate use and pitfalls of various tests is covered in more detail than in other parts of the course. These include serum and urinary assays in the fields of endocrinology and immunology; dynamic endocrine testing; relevance of specific tests to the function of particular organs; testing of fertility (including semen analysis, cervical mucous and post-coital testing, and sperm antibodies); oocyte function and fertilisation; use of biopsies.
RHHG5016 Medical and Molecular Genetics

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Louise Carey Session: Semester 2b Classes: 3x4hr lectures Assessment: Essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Provides a comprehensive coverage of the principles of molecular pathology and progress with diagnosis and gene mapping. Diseases relevant to specific body systems are examined to give a state of the art picture of the molecular genetics of human disease. Included are: clinical genetics, molecular genetics, disease-specific counselling; molecular genetic techniques (southern, northern, hybridisation); molecular genetic techniques (PCR, pulse-field gel); clinical and molecular genetics of systemic disorders and haematological disorders; skeletal disorders; cystic fibrosis and transport disorders; neurological disorders; renal disorders; immunological disorders and HLA association; connective tissue disorders; phakornatoses (neurofibromatosis, Tay-Sachs disease); dermatological disorders; gene mapping techniques, status of human map, comparative gene mapping.
RHHG5019 Treatise A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: The treatise is undertaken by full-time candidates during the two-year course and by part-time candidates in the third year, after completion of the coursework. Assessment: research treatise Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Not available to students enrolling after 2010
Candidates must complete a research project in an area of interest and submit their results in the form of a minor thesis or treatise. During the course, candidates are assisted in choosing a suitable topic and designing their study, both by their supervisor and by a formal component of the coursework called 'treatise development'.
RHHG5020 Treatise B

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: The treatise is undertaken by full-time candidates during the two-year course and by part-time candidates in the third year, after completion of the coursework. Assessment: research treatise Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Not available to students enrolling after 2010
Candidates must complete a research project in an area of interest and submit their results in the form of a minor thesis or treatise. During the course, candidates are assisted in choosing a suitable topic and designing their study, both by their supervisor and by a formal component of the coursework called 'treatise development'.
RHHG5021 Reproduction and Cancer

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rodney Baber Session: Semester 2b Classes: 3x4hr lectures Assessment: essay assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines three areas of interest linking cancer, reproductive endocrinology and infertility. The first concerns the application of 'reproductive insurance' using cryopreservation of ovarian cortical biopsy specimens, mature oocytes, sperm and embryos in patients with cancer. The second area explores the evidence between infertility and its management, childlessness and common gynaecological cancers and the alleged increased incidence of testicular cancer. The third examines the alleged links between breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy in the menopause.
RHHG5026 Introductory Medical Genetics

Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence Session: Semester 2b Classes: 4hr/week; total 36 hours of lectures Assessment: class participation plus major assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Only for students commencing in 2004 or later.
The aim of this unit is to provide students with a broad introduction to the principles and practice of medical genetics. The content covered includes: history and philosophy of medical genetics, genetic informatics, molecular basis of human inheritance, Mendelian inheritance, biochemical genetics, mitochondrial inheritance, cytogenetics, neurogenetics and cancer genetics. At the end of this unit of study the student should have a basic understanding of the topics above and be able to apply this knowledge to further study in this area.
RHHG5028 Medical Genetics

Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor David Sillence Session: Semester 1b Classes: 7x2hr lectures Assessment: multiple examination questions; essay assignments (100%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit follows on from 'Introductory Medical Genetics' but deals with clinical genetics and diagnosis, clinical cytogenetics and clinical molecular genetics in more depth. Strategies for genetic health education and promotion, including evaluation, are introduced. The organisation and management of genetic health services is examined from a state, national and international perspective.