Student Research Project: Reproductive Biology

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Project Outline

The Influence of Age and Reproductive Status on Stress Perception and Responsivity

There is a growing body of evidence supporting an association between higher levels of stress and reproductive failure. However, the association is weaker in women of advanced reproductive age (>35 years) compared to younger women. This is consistent with the reproductive suppression model which posits reproduction should not be suppressed when the costs of delay in terms of lost reproductive opportunities out weigh the benefits of suppression.  But what are the mechanisms?  This project will examine the influence of age and different reproductive states (eg. nulliparous, multiparous) on women's perception of stress and their physiological reactivity to a variety of stressors.

Chief Supervisor

Other Supervisors

Essential Qualifications

For Honours:  An appropriate undergraduate degree with a biological science emphasis, and a minimum weighted average of 65% in the level 3 subjects that comprise the relevant major from an approved institution. Applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

For Masters or PhD: An appropriate Honours degree with a biological science emphasis or equivalent research experience from an approved institution. Applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Desirable Skills/Experience

Knowledge of statistics.
2nd and 3rd year Anatomy & Human Biology Human Reproductive Biology units or equivalent.
Background in psychology useful but not essential.