Key facts
UNE unit code: PSIO531
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Whether you are interested in human medicine, or another field of the life or animal sciences, this unit introduces you to key concepts of the anatomy and function of the human endocrine and reproductive systems.
Our understanding in the field is informed by knowledge gained from animal models, thus an understanding of the physiological differences and similarities within mammals is invaluable, regardless of your discipline.
Focusing on human endocrinology and reproductive physiology, you will learn basic histology and anatomy of endocrine glands and reproductive organs. The unit also provides insights into diseases occurring as a result of disruption or lesions to the endocrine system.
The unit offers opportunities extend your understanding of experimental design, honing your scientific thinking, data analysis and writing skills as you critically review and summarise current literature.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- discuss endocrinology and reproductive physiology coherently and at an advanced level;
- critically analyse data both conceptually and statistically;
- demonstrate an understanding of experimental design by critically reviewing the literature in reproductive physiology and endocrinology and identifying mechanisms of hormone action; and
- discuss differences in reproductive physiology and endocrinology between a range of mammalian species and be able to read, understand and present information from primary literature on this subject.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | No | 10% | All offerings | Four short online theory quizzes with multiple choice questions. To complete this unit, students must attempt and submit these quizzes. |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Eight online practical tasks with multiple choice questions plus short answer questions. |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Short Literature Summary. To complete this unit, students must attempt and submit this assessment. |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Literature Review. To complete this unit, students must attempt and submit this assessment. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Final Examination. It is mandatory to pass this examination in order to pass this unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology
ISBN: 9780323595735
White, B.A. and Porterfield, S.P., Mosby 5th ed. 2018
Text refers to: All offerings
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