The principles of reproductive endocrinology will be taught using knowledge gained from avian species complemented by research findings from humans and farm animals. Emphasis will be placed on follicular development, spermatogenesis, fertilization, endocrine disruptors, sex determination and manipulation, sexual differentiation, and embryology.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Write a detailed scientific review manuscript on a reproductive endocrinology related topic.
Athena Title
Reproductive Endocrinology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POUL 4060E, BIOL 4060E or POUL 6060E, BIOL 6060E
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course students will be able to understand the complex endocrine interactions that regulate follicular development, spermatogenesis, fertilization and embryonic development.
Upon completion of this course students will be able to appreciate the evolutionary selection pressures that shape different reproductive strategies across animals.
Upon completion of this course students will be able to analyze how abnormalities in sexual differentiation, reproductive endocrine disorders, environmental endocrine disruptors, and decreased reproductive capacity in humans and farm animals are impacting society and governing bodies.
Upon completion of this course students will be able to integrate their knowledge about reproductive endocrinology into medical and management practices that maximize reproductive success and efficiency in commercial and companion animals and humans.
Upon completion of this course students will be able to recognize the ethical issues associated with reproductive medical intervention practices in humans and with management practices to enhance reproduction in farmed animals.
Topical Outline
I. Basic principles of endocrinology
II. Hypothalamus/pituitary/ovary axis
a. Role of nutrition in sexual maturation and maintenance of sexual function
i. Hormones involved (leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, resistin, etc.)
b. Environmental cues for reproduction
c. Hypothalamus (kisppeptin, GnRH, GnIH, etc.)
d. Pituitary (FSH, LH, etc.)
e. Ovary
i. Follicular structure
ii. Yolk synthesis
iii. Steroidogenesis
iv. Follicular hierarchy maintenance
v. Follicular atresia
f. Ovulation
i. Hormonal mechanisms of ovulation timing
ii. Ovarian cancer
III. Male reproductive physiology
a. Testes anatomy and physiology
b. Spermatogenesis and its hormonal regulation
c. Accessory organs
d. Semen analysis
e. Prostate and testicular cancer in humans
f. Declining sperm counts
g. Biology behind the lack of a copulatory organ in most birds
IV. Endocrine disruptors
a. Modes of action
b. Examples affecting human and/or animal reproduction
V. Fertilization
a. Sperm storage
b. Sperm selection and competition
c. Sperm receptors
d. Polyspermy and prevention of pathological polyspermy
e. Offspring sex determination biology
f. Biology of naturally occurring offspring sex ratio manipulation
VI. Sexual differentiation
a. Mechanisms
b. Mutations leading to genetic and phenotype mismatch
VII. Egg formation biology
a. Oviduct sections and their functions
b. Factors affecting egg composition and size
VIII. Biology of egg clutch size
IX. Biology of incubation and its contrast to pregnancy
a. Hormonal control
b. Metabolism of body reserves
c. Incubation strategies
X. Hatching egg biology
a. The biology behind synchronous versus asynchronous hatches
b. Precocious versus altricial
XI. Embryology
a. Gastrulation
b. Development of extraembryonic membranes
c. Formation of circulatory system and other major organs
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
