Overview
This course examines prenatal human development from conception and implantation through gastrulation, neurulation, organogenesis, fetal growth, and early placental development. Emphasis is placed on male gestational endocrinology, pelvic and abdominal implantation biology, fetal development in biological males, placental function, fetal membranes, and critical periods of developmental vulnerability.
Students investigate cleavage, blastocyst formation, bilaminar and trilaminar disc development, germ-layer derivatives, body folding, embryonic patterning, organ development, sexual differentiation, and the development of gestational and reproductive structures. The course also addresses developmental variation, congenital anomalies, teratogens, assisted reproductive technologies, pregnancy dating, and the distinction between embryological evidence and common misconceptions.
Through image interpretation, chronological modelling, and clinical case analysis, students develop foundational knowledge for subsequent study in anatomy, physiology, obstetrics, and perinatal care. Communication activities emphasize accurate, sensitive, and non-stigmatizing discussion of congenital variation and developmental outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
- Construct a chronological model of prenatal development from conception through early fetal growth.
- Explain the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying implantation, gastrulation, neurulation, tissue differentiation, and placental development.
- Identify germ-layer derivatives and relate them to the developmental origins of fetal, gestational, and reproductive structures.
- Analyze the effects of genetic, environmental, and gestational factors on embryonic and fetal development.
- Interpret introductory embryology images, developmental models, and clinical case studies.
- Evaluate developmental variations, congenital anomalies, teratogenic exposures, and pregnancy-dating evidence using appropriate embryological terminology.
- Communicate developmental concepts accurately, sensitively, and without stigmatizing congenital variation.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Weekly quizzes (6 × 5%) | 30.00% |
| Assignment | Embryology image and case-study assignment | 20.00% |
| Test | Practical identification test | 20.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 30.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 4 NCEA Level 2 Biology credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
