Module ANTH3487: Human Reproductive Ecology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH3487: Human Reproductive Ecology

Prerequisites

• Ecology, Genomics & Health (ANTH2011) or Evolution, Variation and Adaptation (ANTH2061)

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• 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 discuss 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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

Summative Assessment

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

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University