This program offers a comprehensive curriculum in the Reproductive Sciences covering areas such as development, perinatal biology, reproductive endocrinology, molecular biology, and reproductive toxicology/teratology. Following is a list of courses in the graduate curriculum offered by the Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics & Gynecology. While the graduate program for each Reproductive Sciences student is tailored to meet their specific interests and research requirements, students in this program are required to take a minimum of 10 credit hours of courses specifically offered for this concentration. Reproductive Sciences courses are listed in green italics.

Reproductive Sciences Concentration
Course Descriptions

PSL 7500     Developmental Physiology                                 Cr. 3

A study of organ physiology from the developmental viewpoint.

PSL 7690     Principles of Reproductive Biology                    Cr. 3

Covers principles and techniques in reproduction including endocrinology, gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, embryogenesis, stem cell determination, pregnancy and parturition.  Some knowledge of biology, genetics, embryology and molecular biology recommended.     

PSL 7700     Embryonic Stem Cell Biology                              Cr. 3

This course is designed to acquaint graduate students with the diverse disciplines involved in human embryonic stem cell research, biology, and therapeutic potential.  Previous coursework in both biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology is suggested.

PSL 7710     Disease States and Reproductive Processes.     Cr. 1

Course is designed to familiarize students with diseases and areas in reproductive medicine where additional research is required. Students accompany clinicians during rounds in hospital and outpatient clinics to gain exposure to the various diseases of the reproductive system.

PSL 7730     Reproductive Sciences:  Teratology.     Cr. 3

Covers principles of the science of birth defects, focusing on impact of environmental poisons, medicines and drugs of abuse on developing germ cells, embryos and fetuses. The roles of pharmacological/toxicological, physiological (maternal, placental and fetal), genetic, and nutritional factors in the teratogenic response are examined. Course includes texts and current readings.

PSL 7740     Developmental Systems in Reproductive Biology.    Cr. 3

Theoretical foundations course in development emphasizing contemporary developmental systems theory and its relevant applications to reproductive biology.

PSL 7770     Perinatal Biology and Reproduction.     Cr. 2

Lectures exposing student to areas of current interest and research in field of perinatal biology. Topics are presented from both the basic science and clinical perspective.

PSL 7775     Current Research Topics in Reproductive Sciences.     Cr. 1

Lectures covering a variety of current and advanced topics in the field of reproductive biology, health and medicine.

PSL 7910     Readings in Molecular Male Reproduction & Chromatin Systems Biology.  (MBG 7910) Cr. 1

Examines current literature in the fields of molecular reproduction and the male reproductive tract to bring together the many disciplines that span basic biology to the computational sciences and engineering.

Students holding Interdisciplinary Biomedical Fellowships must take 14 credits in the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (IBS) Curriculum. The IBS curriculum is indicated below:

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences Curriculum