MCE5100 Biology of reproduction
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
MCE5100 Biology of reproduction is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Monash Medical Centre. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Monash Medical Centre
- Assessment
- Exam 45%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MCE5100
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MCE5100
No unit lists MCE5100 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in one of the following course codes: M5009, M6010
Overview
This unit will provide you with the foundations of mammalian embryology. Theoretical information about the components of the male and female reproductive system from germ cell origin to birth, including genetic and epigenetic regulation will be presented.
Key features of oogenesis, folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis, embryo development, gastrulation, implantation and placentation will be discussed. Current controversies in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) field will be integrated into the unit.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (extended) | Monash Medical Centre | Online |
| First semester (extended) | Monash Medical Centre | On campus |
| Second semester (extended) | Monash Medical Centre | Online |
Assessment
- Examination (2 hour written invigilated exam)Examination45%
- Essay (1,500 words)Written20%
- Presentation (Interactive group presentation)Presentation20%
- Report (1,000 word laboratory report)Written15%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the anatomical, physiological and molecular complexities of the human in vivo reproductive environment and processes.
- 2
Describe the complexities of establishing a pregnancy and the experience of pregnancy loss, lactation and post-partum biology.
- 3
Critically evaluate reproductive biology research methodologies and study design.
- 4
Demonstrate problem-solving skills in complex human reproductive scenarios, and develop innovative, evidence-based solutions.
- 5
Critically analyse scientific literature on current and emerging technologies, techniques and influences on human reproduction.
- 6
Effectively communicate complex human reproductive concepts in written and oral formats to an academic audience.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops4 hours
- Lectures16 hours
- Tutorials5 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
Expect 12 hours per week of directed and self-directed learning over a six week block.
For on-campus students, this unit is conducted over the first six weeks in Semester 1. It is expected that students attend all lectures and tutorials associated with this unit.
For off-campus students, all teaching activities are recorded. Semester 1 assessments align with on-campus timeframes. If completing the unit in Semester 2, timeframes are flexible.
For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.
Learning resources
Required resources
See Moodle for details about required resources.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Ms Emma Lingham
- Unit Coordinators
- Ms Emma Lingham
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MCE5100?
MCE5100 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MCE5100 offered?
In 2026, MCE5100 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Monash Medical Centre, with an online option.
Does MCE5100 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 45% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.