Reproductive Biology

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

Reproduction is fundamental for organic evolution and it is the central purpose for all organisms. During this module you will investigate a range of reproductive phenomena from contemplation of ultimate functions to proximate modalities. The module requires reading, thinking and discussion of primary reproductive research with emphasis on thought and analytical thinking.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The biology of reproduction is an area of increasing research. For example, sperm cells display an incredible diversity in form, which is quite remarkable when all they have to do is fertilise ova. This diversity in size and shape raises many fascinating questions, the most interesting of which will be the focus of this module. While the module primarily focuses on animal reproduction, it also covers others aspects of sexual reproduction, evolution, selection, unusual genetic systems and the even origin of the sexes themselves.

The module prepares you for the workplace by setting weekly deadlines and encouraging discussion and logical, critical thinking, while also providing training in tackling problems via first principles.

We use primary research as the vehicle to explore and understand the natural world and learn to apply logic and systematic approaches to enquiry. Teaching on this module includes elements of research undertaken by module staff, which includes areas such as sperm diversity, sexual selection, genital evolution, and the evolution of the sexes. Students are expected to undertake enquiry-led learning, especially through the flip-classroom discussion groups that take up about two thirds of the module. Discussion sessions apply learning to novel questions in a semi-structured student-led learning environment.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Discuss diversity within and across populations and species
• 2. Describe how gamete form influences reproductive success
• 3. Explain how males and females co-evolve
• 4. Illustrate that there are genetic systems that are very different to what we consider normal
• 5. Explain how our perspectives and understanding change over time

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Describe in detail and analyse essential facts and theory across a sub-discipline of biosciences
• 7. Analyse and evaluate independently a range of research-informed literature and synthesise research-informed examples from the literature into written work
• 8. Identify and implement, with limited guidance, appropriate methodologies and theories for solving a range of complex problems in biosciences
• 9. With minimal guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation, and enquiry within biosciences
• 10. Describe and evaluate in detail approaches to our understanding of biosciences with reference to primary literature, reviews and research articles

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 11. Devise and sustain, with little guidance, a logical and reasoned argument with sound, convincing conclusions
• 12. Communicate effectively arguments, evidence and conclusions using a variety of formats in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
• 13. Analyse and evaluate appropriate data and complete a range of research-like tasks with very limited guidance
• 14. Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses in relation to graduate-level professional and practical skills, and act autonomously to develop new areas of skills as necessary
• 15. Reflect effectively and independently on learning experiences and evaluate personal achievements
• 16. Work in a small team and deal proficiently with the issues that teamwork requires (i.e. communication, motivation, decision-making, awareness, responsibility, and management skills, including setting and working to deadlines)

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

The module will briefly review the evolution of the sexes, before turning to the diversity of gametes or genitals, male female interactions, mating systems and unusual genetic systems. Examples will be chosen to illustrate different issues, including, for example, violations of inheritance laws, and other issues.

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Sperm Biology: An Evolutionary Perspective. TR Birkhead, DJ Hosken and S Pitnick (eds). 2009. Academic Press, Oxford. ISBN 9780123725684

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=383

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Reproduction, evolution, sexual reproduction, selection, speciation, genetic systems, diversity, genitalia, eggs