Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics
Master of Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics)
(MM(RH&HG)) KC077 or MAMERHHG2000
Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics)
(MScMed(RH&HG)) KC078 or MASMRHHG2000
Master of Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) and Master of Philosophy
(MMed(RH&HG)) KC085 or MAMRGPHL1000 for international students, KC077 or MAMERHHG2000 plus KC083 for domestic students
Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) and Master of Philosophy
(MScMed(RH&HG)) KC086 or MASMRPHL1000 for international students, KC078 or MASMRHHG2000 plus KC083 or RMPHLMED1000 for domestic students
| Course | Credit points for award |
Duration full-time | Duration part time |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMed (RH&HG) | 48 | not available | 2 to 6 years |
| MScMed (RH&HG) | 48 | not available | 2 to 6 years |
| MMed (RH&HG) / MPhil | 48 + research thesis (48crp) | 2 years | as per individual resolutions |
| MScMed (RH&HG) / MPhil | 48 + research thesis (48crp) | 2 years | as per individual resolutions |
Overview
The main aim of the program is to provide up-to-date knowledge of the clinical and laboratory science and technological developments in reproduction and human genetics.
Areas of study include reproductive physiology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pathology. The course is ideally suited to graduates in medicine seeking a career in reproductive science and medicine, laboratory science, public health or genetic counselling, as well as professionals already working in these disciplines who are seeking to gain a deeper insight into the rapidly expanding disciplines of reproductive health sciences, reproductive medicine and human genetics.
Course outcomes
Graduates will:
- have an up-to-date knowledge of the clinical and laboratory science and technological developments in reproduction and human genetics
- have an insight into the social, ethical and public health aspects of these fields
- have developed a firm basis for vocational training in these disciplines
- be able to contribute to and promote dialogue and understanding between those working in disparate areas within reproductive health and genetics.
Further information
The program is offered as either a coursework-only master's degree or as a double degree combining the coursework-only master's degree with a research master's degree. The coursework-only master's degree is only available part time.
In order to study full-time, international students must enrol in one of the combined Master/MPhil programs.
Information on the Master of Philosophy is available in the Postgraduate Research Studies chapter.
The Master of Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) are essentially the same program with different admission requirements.
Only medical graduates (ie those with an MBBS) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine. Students follow the same program of study (with the exception, in some cases, of practical work), with the only difference being the title of the course they are awarded on completion.
To qualify for the coursework-only degree candidates must complete coursework and clinical or laboratory assignments equivalent to 48 credit points. The coursework and clinical or laboratory assignments are undertaken part time over two years.
Students are required to attend lectures and tutorials and undertake field visits to laboratory and clinical areas. Lectures and tutorials are held on two evenings per week and some Saturdays.
Assessment is by written examination, oral presentations, written assignments, placement reports and a research thesis for those enrolled in the double degree.
Double degree students
Domestic students who wish to complete two degrees enrol into a Masters degree (KC077 or KC078) and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil)(KC083), either at the same time or sequentially. Domestic students may enrol on a part time basis.
International students must enrol in a double degree program (KC085 or KC086) so they are enrolled for two years full time. Further information about enrolment for international students in the double degree is provided below.
Information about the MPhil program can be found in the Postgraduate Research Studies chapter.
To qualify for the double degree, candidates must complete the requirements for the coursework-only degree as described above, and to fulfil the requirements of the Master of Philosophy candidates must enrol in at least the equivalent of one year full time research and submit a thesis that passes examination.
International students who are not able to submit their research thesis after completing the equivalent of two years of full time enrolment must enrol for further semesters, with the associated financial cost of enrolment, until they are able to submit their thesis.
Pattern of enrolment
The following tables provide examples for structuring programs of study.
Students must complete the required credit point value of core units of study and elective units of study.
Core units of study
| Core Units of Study | Credit point |
|---|---|
|
Students must complete 44 credit points of core units of study |
|
| Available in Semester 1 | |
| PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses |
6 |
| PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics |
6 |
| RHHG5010 Reproductive Sciences |
4 |
| RHHG5007 Clinical Reproductive Medicine (semester 1a) |
4 |
| RHHG5008 Counselling 1 (semester 1b) |
2 |
| RHHG5028 Medical Genetics(semester 1b) |
2 |
| Available in Semester 2 | |
| RHHG5005 Reproductive Sciences and Medicine(semester 2a) |
4 |
| RHHG5013 Ethical, Social, Legal & Privacy Issues(semester 2a) |
4 |
| RHHG5006 Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health(semester 2b) |
4 |
| RHHG5014 Fertility Control(semester 2b) |
2 |
| RHHG5021 Reproduction and Cancer (semester 2b) |
2 |
| RHHG5026 Introductory Medical Genetics (semester 2b) |
4 |
| Total core units of study | 44 |
Elective units of study
| Elective Units of Study | Credit point |
|---|---|
|
Students must complete 4 credit points of elective units of study |
|
| Available in Semester 2b | |
| RHHG5011 Clinical or Laboratory Attachments |
2 |
| RHHG5012 Counselling 2 |
2 |
| RHHG5015 Lab Assessment of Reproductive Function |
2 |
| RHHG5016 Medical and Molecular Genetics |
2 |
Pattern of enrolment for double degree international students
In order to comply with their visa requirements and to fulfil the requirements of the double degree, ie. 48 credit points of coursework for the coursework master's degree and the equivalent of at least one year full time for the Master of Philosophy, international students must enrol in units of study as shown in the following two tables.
Pattern of enrolment for international students commencing in March
Year 1
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
|
|
PUBH5010 |
6 |
| PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics |
6 |
|
MEDF4001 |
12 |
| Semester 2 | |
| RHHG5005 Reproductive Sciences and Medicine(semester 2a) |
4 |
| RHHG5006 Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health(semester 2b) |
4 |
| RHHG5026 Introductory Medical Genetics (semester 2b) |
4 |
| MEDF4002 Medicine Research B |
12 |
Year 2
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
|
|
RHHG5007 |
4 |
| RHHG5008 Counselling 1 (semester 1b) |
2 |
|
RHHG5010 |
4 |
|
RHHG5028 |
2 |
|
MEDF4003 |
12 |
| Semester 2 | |
| RHHG5013 Ethical, Social, Legal & Privacy Issues(semester 2a) |
4 |
| RHHG5014 Fertility Control(semester 2b) |
2 |
| RHHG5021 Reproduction and Cancer (semester 2b) |
2 |
| MEDF4004 Medicine Research D |
12 |
| plus 2 electives from the Elective list | 4 |
Pattern of enrolment for international students commencing in July
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
| First semester of study |
|
| RHHG5005 Reproductive Sciences and Medicine(semester 2a) |
4 |
| RHHG5006 Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health(semester 2b) |
4 |
| RHHG5026 Introductory Medical Genetics (semester 2b) |
4 |
| MEDF4001 Medicine Research A |
12 |
| Second semester of study |
|
| PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses |
6 |
| PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics |
6 |
| RHHG5007 Clinical Reproductive Medicine (semester 1a) |
4 |
| RHHG5008 Counselling 1 (semester 1b) |
2 |
| RHHG5010 Reproductive Sciences |
4 |
| RHHG5028 Medical Genetics |
2 |
| UoS code and name | Credit points |
|---|---|
|
Third semester of study |
|
|
RHHG5013 |
4 |
| RHHG5014 Fertility Control(semester 2b) |
2 |
|
RHHG5021 |
2 |
|
MEDF4002 |
12 |
|
plus 2 electives from the Elective list |
4 |
| Fourth Semester of study |
|
| MEDF4003 Medicine Research C |
12 |
| MEDF4004 Medicine Research D |
12 |
If a student is not able to submit the thesis for the Master of Philosophy after these two years of enrolment, they must enrol in both MEDF4003 and MEDF4004 for further semesters, with the associated cost of enrolment, until they are able to submit.
Further enquiries
Dr Robert Markham
Phone: +61 2 9351 2722
Fax: +61 2 9351 4560
Email:
Website:
sydney.edu.au/medicine/obs-gyn-neo/
Degree resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at August 2012. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine/
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics)
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
| Code | Course and stream title |
|---|---|
| KC077 | Master of Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) |
| KC078 | Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degrees in these resolutions are professional master's courses as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
(3)
Admission to the Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) requires:
0.0
a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification and a minimum of 12 months research or work experience in the field or successful completion of the preliminary examination(s) as prescribed by the Faculty.
5 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) or Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points, including:
6 Transitional provisions
Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics)
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Course resolutions
1 Course codes
| Code | Course and stream title |
|---|---|
| KC077 | Master of Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) |
| KC078 | Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) |
2 Attendance pattern
3 Master's type
0.
The master's degrees in these resolutions are professional master's courses as defined by the Coursework Rule.
4 Admission to candidature
(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
0.0
a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
(3)
Admission to the Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) requires:
0.0
a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification;
0.0
a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification and a minimum of 12 months research or work experience in the field or successful completion of the preliminary examination(s) as prescribed by the Faculty.
5 Requirements for award
(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) or Master of Science in Medicine (Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics) a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points, including:
6 Transitional provisions
Table of units of study: Reproductive Health Sciences and Human Genetics
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Core units |
|||
| PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses |
6 | N BSTA5011 |
Semester 1 |
| PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| RHHG5005 Reproductive Sciences and Medicine |
4 | Semester 2a |
|
| RHHG5006 Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health |
4 | Semester 2b |
|
| RHHG5007 Clinical Reproductive Medicine |
4 | Semester 1a |
|
| RHHG5008 Counselling 1 |
2 | Semester 1b |
|
| RHHG5010 Reproductive Sciences |
4 | Semester 1 |
|
| RHHG5013 Ethical, Social, Legal & Privacy Issues |
4 | Semester 2a |
|
| RHHG5014 Fertility Control |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| RHHG5021 Reproduction and Cancer |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| RHHG5026 Introductory Medical Genetics |
4 |
Only for students commencing in 2004 or later. |
Semester 2b |
| RHHG5028 Medical Genetics |
2 | Semester 1b |
|
| RHHG5019 Treatise A |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Not available to students enrolling after 2010 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| RHHG5020 Treatise B |
6 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment Not available to students enrolling after 2010 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Elective units |
|||
| RHHG5011 Clinical or Laboratory Attachments |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| RHHG5012 Counselling 2 |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| RHHG5015 Lab Assessment of Reproductive Function |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
| RHHG5016 Medical and Molecular Genetics |
2 | Semester 2b |
|
Additional core units for international candidates enrolled in the double degree |
|||
| Candidates must complete the following four units over the two years. Specific enrolment patterns based on the semester of commencement are shown below. If the candidates is not able to submit the thesis for the Master of Philosophy after two years of enrolment, they must enrol in both MEDF4003 and MEDF4004 for further semesters, with the associated cost of enrolment, until they are able to submit. | |||
| MEDF4001 Medicine Research A |
12 |
Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MEDF4002 Medicine Research B |
12 | C MEDF4001 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MEDF4003 Medicine Research C |
12 | C MEDF4002 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
| MEDF4004 Medicine Research D |
12 | C MEDF4003 |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Units of study descriptions for 2013
MEDF4001 Medicine Research A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
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 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
See MEDF4001.
MEDF4003 Medicine Research C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: MEDF4002 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
See MEDF4001.
MEDF4004 Medicine Research D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: MEDF4003 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
See MEDF4001
PUBH5010 Epidemiology Methods and Uses
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate 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 Assessment: 1x 4page assignment (30%) and 1x 2.5hr open-book exam (70%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
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 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 Professor Petra Macaskill 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day or On-line
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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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 & Privacy Issues
Credit points: 4 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Douglas Saunders AM Session: Semester 2a Classes: 6x4hr lectures Assessment: oral presentation (100%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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.
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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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 Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington 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.