Overview

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This course is based on the biology of reproduction from the standpoints of anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology where you’ll meet ideas ranging from the cruel realities of infertility, the popcorn hypothesis of follicular maturation, and the evolution of menopause. Learning about the disorders of reproduction, molecular methods to detect problems, and technological advances to manage contraception and fertility all give a unique flavour of what it is like to be a clinician in this field. 

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MEDSCI 313 is definitely on the less-dense side of content volume compared to other Stage 3 MEDSCI papers, which would lead you to believe that this is an easy A+ course, however the essays in the exam require you to know everything that is mentioned in the lectures and labs. The lab reports are marked pretty fairly but extra readings do help. As a bonus there was a prize of $500 for top in the class in 2025.

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The final exam in 2025 included 5 SAQs and 4 essays (from a choice of 7 essays). On top of the two lab reports, there is a presentation assignment based on a scientific you and a buddy pair up to choose. Given that you’ve set yourself up enough time to do a thorough read through of the article you’ve chosen, it was relatively easy to score high marks in this presentation with lecturers from MEDSCI 313 as the judges of your presentation.

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In 2025, a large majority of the cohort said that the course was super well organised relative to other Medsci Courses (Stage II or Stage III), leading to the very smooth running overall of this course both for students and staff alike. 
 

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Course Content

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Dr Lynsee Cree

Dr. Cree began the course with 2 lectures on the molecular methods in reproduction and a lecture on the Male Reproductive System. After the break, she also lectured on In Vitro Fertilisation and the Sexual Differentiation of the fetus. The topic of molecular methods is exciting for some but dull for others as it is does not seem very relevant to the physiology of reproductive biology. Dr Lynsey is a very straightforward lecturer. Going through her lecture recording could be beneficial, as well as reading a few pages of the textbook to answer her question on the sexual differentiation of the fetus. She will generally tell you what she expects if her essay was to come up in the exam. You should expect ~1 question from these two lectures in the exam.

 

Dr Anna Ponnampalam

Dr Anna Ponnampalam lectured a number of times during the course of the semester, including two lectures on Reproductive Endocrinology/Steroid Hormones, a lecture on Immunoassays, and ELISA. Her lecture style is very straightforward and is open to re-explaining her content if necessary. One such example was the biosynthesis of steroid hormones. She was also present at all the labs and tutored the ELISA lab. 

 

Professor Andrew Shelling

Professor Shelling is one of the most passionate lecturers in the department. Over 6 lectures, he covered Ovarian Structure and Function, Reproductive Disorders, Puberty and Menopause.  There is a lot of content to be learned but it is relatively simple – facts, symptoms, names, etc. Anki will be your best friend.

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Professor Larry Chamley

Larry is a charismatic lecturer. This makes it relatively enjoyable to go through contraceptives, assisted reproductive technologies, and reproductive cloning. At times lectures seem to go off on great tangents but don't let that catch you off guard - still do pay attention! You should expect ~1-2 essays from these lectures in the exam, in 2025 his SAQs took up a decent portion. Don’t forget that Larry still loves testing on his ‘numbers’! He also took one of the lab streams for the ELISA lab and is very conservative in the amount of guidance he provides. 

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Dr Joanna James

Dr. James taught three lectures on implantation/fertilisation, the physiology of pregnancy, labour and preterm labour. There is a lot of information, but it is physiology at last, and her lecture style is easy going and straightforward to follow. Once again, Anki will be your best friend. Dr James also takes the lab on Immunoassays which focuses on Placental Tissue. 

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Final advice

Definitely don’t take for granted how small the volume of content there is in MEDSCI313 when compared to other MEDSCIS – since there isn’t so much volume, expect there to be a lot of detail expected from you during both the test and the exam especially in the essay portions. Conceptually, MEDSCI313 is not hard to get your head around, what’s most difficult is remembering all the tiny details (like any other MEDSCI), so make sure you keep on top of your Anki and practice past exams early.

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