This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)
Module HUSS3537: Human Reproductive Ecology
Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]
HUSS3537: Human Reproductive Ecology
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 10 | Available in 2013/2014 | None. | Queen's Campus Stockton |
Pre-requisites
- Completion of Level 2 Anthropology, Queen's, OR Evolutionary Anthropology (ANTH2061) OR Human Ecology, Genetics & Health (ANTH 2011) OR Stage 1 MBBS or Life History Theory and Human Health (new HUSS module)
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- To introduce students to the field of human reproductive ecology which situates reproductive function within an evolutionary framework
- To give students an appreciation of how various envionmental factors influcence reproductive function
- To introduce students to various methods used by biological anthropologists to assess human reproductive function
Content
- The course will introduce students to various aspects of human reproductive physiology and the range of variability that might be expected in different environments. It will discuss the kinds of ecological influences that affect reproductive function in males and females including aspects like nutrition, physical exercise, disease loads and psychological stress. It will discss field and laboratory methods for the analyses of reproductive function. Finally it will discuss how reproductive variability might be expected to impact fertility and even the experience of ageing.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Students should understand how evolutionary and life history theory is applied to reproductive function in humans
- Students should understand how a cross-cultural perspective can be informative about the range of variability in human reproductive function
- Students should appreciate the kinds of fieldwork methods that can be used by anthropologists for the study of reproductive function
- Students should appreciate the kinds of laboratory techniques that are used by reproductive ecologists to analyse reproductive function
Subject-specific Skills
- Students should understand how evolutionary theory informs reproductive ecology.
- Students should be aware of how human reproductive ecology links with and complements clinical studies of human reproductive function.
- Students should have an awareness of the sources and kinds of problems that can affect human reproductive function.
- Knowledge and some practise of using laboratory equipment and techniques employed by human reproductive ecologists, such as assays for the assessment of hormonal levels, and basic techniques such as pipetting in laboratory settings.
Key Skills
- Writing: Students should be able to present written summaries of data and theoretical perspectives and argue for a particular perspective using research based evidence
- Communication: Students should be able to express themselves clearly and concisely on theoretical and practical topics and explain why particular issues are important and / or controversial
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- A short introductory lecture at the start of each Seminar period will introduce students to the key issues for discussion and analyses
- Seminars will give students the opportunity for discussion of their readings in relevant academic topics in human reproductive ecology as well as guide them to further areas for reading
- Tutorials will be used to introduce students to laboratory methods such as enzymeimmunoassays (ELISAs) used in human reproductive ecology
- Formative and summative exercises will be used to consolidate students ability to explain and articulate various problems in the field of reproductive ecology
- A Summative paper will allow students to explore a particular topic in further detail, to demonstrate their acquired knowledge in reproductive ecology and to argue for a particular theoretical position
- A Summative report will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of a broader range of topics (including laboratory aspects) in human reproductive ecology that will be covered in more detail in the tutorials
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | 3 | every few weeks | 1 hour | 3 | |
| Seminars | 10 | Once a week | 1 hour | 10 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 87 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial Write-Ups | 100% | Essay | 1,500 words | 50% | |
| Report | 1,500 words | 50% |
Formative Assessment
1. Comments on essay plan and first outline draft 2. Written comments on report and outline draft that will help to improve the summative version. 3. Feedback from discussions and informal presentations in class
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.