GRS4201 · Reproduction and planetary health

Overview

This unit will focus on the reproductive health of animals and its influence on Planetary Health. Planetary Health refers to the health of natural systems which humans rely on for clean air, water, and food. Lectures and tutorials will introduce the concepts of Planetary Health and how healthy reproduction is key to maintaining healthy ecosystems. You will explore the process through which different anthropogenic influences disrupt reproduction in animals, and how humans as a species manipulate reproduction to improve breeding of endangered and agriculturally significant species for ecological and economic gain. This unit includes trips into the field to experience how fundamentals in theoretical reproductive biology can be applied to achieve environmental and/or commercial outcomes.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Recognise how aberrant reproduction results in species decline;
2. Explain how anthropogenic influence impacts Planetary health and subsequently the reproductive systems of animals;
3. Identify current and emerging techniques being used to manipulate reproduction in animals and critique their use in agriculture and conservation;
4. Analyse how socioeconomic and cultural factors on local and global scales influence the use of reproductive technologies in animal agriculture and conservation;
5. Evaluate the economic impact of manipulating animal reproduction;
6. Demonstrate knowledge of reproductive systems through risk mitigation relating to the principles of Planetary Health.

Workload

6 hours of teacher directed study per week, including ~3 hours of lecture content and ~3 hours of tutorials. 12 hours of self-directed study per week = 18 hours per week over an 8-week period for a total unit requirement of 144 hours.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.