Neuroendocrinology of Pregnancy and Parturition (U00978)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : BMS-4-MEbirth

This course aims to study in depth factors that are important for the establishment and progress of normal pregnancy and parturition in mammals, including those determining the future health of offspring. Common difficulties and problems encountered clinically during pregnancy and birth (e.g. miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, preterm labour, prenatal/postnatal depression) will also be addressed. Topics will include analysis of hormonal (endocrine and neuroendocrine), immune, stress and behavioural (maternal, anxiety) elements.Lectures, seminars and discussion will be focussed on evidence from both animal and human models, and will integrate anatomical, physiological, cellular and molecular approaches to understanding mechanisms required for successful reproduction. Teaching and learning methods include lectures (clinical and basic science), student tasks and/or student-led group sessions and discussion sessions, aimed to facilitate student interpretation and communication of information in the field.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Permission of the Curriculum Approval Officer.

? Co-requisites : Reproductive Biology 3 and Physiology 3 are recommended.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Medical Biology (Biomedical Sciences), (School of Biomedical Sciences, Schedule T)

Other subject areas

Medical Biology (Biological Sciences), (School of Biological Sciences, Schedule K)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 45 minutes per week for 9 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
24/09/2007	10:00	12:00			Meadows Seminar Room 1

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The intended learning outcomes are to enable students
a) to integrate the range of neuroendocrine changes that occur during pregnancy and interpret them in the light of potential diseases and problems of pregnancy and parturition, including in relation to the long term health of offspring and mother.
b) to develop skills in interpreting physiological and medical science, in discussion and in science communication, including self-directed learning and team work.