Module Catalogue

NES3009 : Reproduction in Farm and Companion Animals

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Beard
  • Lecturer: Dr Miguel Velazquez
  • Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The aim of the module is to enable students to understand at a range of levels (cellular to whole animal) the physiology of reproduction in livestock species

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to module and literature search tutorial related to assignment
The function of the reproductive tract and the internal regulation of reproduction
The oestrous cycle
-       follicular phase and follicle development in livestock species
-       luteal phase and luteolysis in livestock species
Reproductive development and the prepubertal period in livestock species
Seasonality and control of the breeding season in livestock species
Spermatogenesis, sperm transport and fertilization
Pregnancy, parturition and the postpartum period
Developmental programming
Controlling reproduction

Students will also develop skills in written and oral communication through the preparation of the assignment.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Preparation of slide sets, notes on individually selected topics and associated oral
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Revision for Semester 2 examination and Semester 2 examination
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture140:307:00Online - establish the principles and mechanisms involved in reproductive function
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture111:0011:00Lectures establish the principles, relationships and mechanisms involved in reproductive function.
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading118:0018:00Background reading on general module topics
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops12:002:00Develops information literacy skills
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery41:004:00Drop in / Q and A session with lecturer
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study118:0018:00Writing up lecture note and follow up reading
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Formal lectures establish the underlying terminology, principles, relationships and mechanisms involved in reproductive function in livestock species (knowledge outcomes). The workshop develops information literacy skills (skills outcomes).

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A75Formal unseen exam scheduled in the examination period
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M25Slide set (12 ppt slides) & notes on individually selected topics and associated oral based mostly on the subject of the slides.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The slide set & notes on individually selected topics will challenge students to use their computer and information literacy skills to provide a clear, concise, well illustrated summary of a specific topic in livestock reproductive biology. The oral will assess understanding and knowledge of the vocabulary, principles and regulation of reproductive processes. It also will assess the students oral communication skills and their ability to explain and evaluate research in a particular area of reproduction in livestock species. The university examination will potentially assess all the knowledge outcomes using essay questions. Successful students will demonstrate their ability to describe, discuss, integrate and analyse the principles of reproductive physiology in their answers.

Reading Lists

Timetable