NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 鳥類生殖生理(5160)
(Eng.) Avian Reproductive Physiology
Offering Dept Department of Life Sciences
Course Type Elective Credits 2 Teacher CHENG, HSU-CHEN
Department Department of Life Sciences/Undergraduate Language English Semester 2026-SPRING
Course Description Avian reproductive physiology has profound differences from that of mam-mals. This course will explore the two-stage development of avian gonads, their regenerative potential, the effect of photoperiod on egg-laying, and the influence of hormones on parental care and courtship behavior.
Prerequisites
self-directed learning in the course Y
Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives Competency Indicators Ratio(%) Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
養成尖端生物科技之產業研發人力
3.The training of the ability of expression and the logics of thinking.
5.The investigations of organismal mechanisms
6.The research development of biotechnology
30
35
35
topic Discussion/Production
Networking/Distance Education
Exercises
Discussion
Practicum
Lecturing
Attendance
Oral Presentation
Study Outcome
Internship
Other
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 Introduction [Review] Avian Reproduction: From Behavior to Molecules (Sasanami, 2021) - 概述家禽與野鳥生殖系統的分子基礎。
Week 2 The HPG Axis Neuroendocrine control of reproduction in birds (Bentley et al., 2020) - 詳細探討 GnRH 與新發現的 GnIH 在腦部的交互作用。
Week 3 Photoperiodism Deep brain photoreceptors and the neuroendocrine control of seasonal breeding (Nakane & Yoshimura, 2019/2020) - 解釋光照如何透過 TSH 訊號觸發季節性發情。
Week 4 Male Anatomy Evolutionary dynamics of testicular volume in birds (Lüpold et al., 2020) - 研究不同鳥種睪丸肥大與精子競爭的生理關聯。
Week 5 Spermatogenesis Endocrine regulation of spermatogenesis in poultry (Surai et al., 2021) - 重點在於睪固酮對精子細胞發育的精確調控。
Week 6 The Oviduct Comprehensive insights into the avian oviduct: A review (Bakst & Bauchan, 2022) - 介紹輸卵管各部位的現代功能定義與微觀結構。
Week 7 Spring Break
Week 8 Folliculogenesis The selection and development of avian follicles (Johnson, 2021) - 詳述生殖激素如何決定哪一個卵泡會進入「等級序列 (Hierarchy)」。
Week 9 Ovulation Surge The preovulatory LH surge in birds: Essential triggers and signaling (Stephens et al., 2021) - 探討黃體成長激素與黃體素的級聯反應。
Week 10 Egg Formation Transcriptome analysis of the avian oviduct during egg formation (Huang et al., 2020) - 透過基因組學分析蛋白與卵殼膜的合成機制。
Week 11 Calcium Metabolism Calcium and bone metabolism in high-producing laying hens (Zhang et al., 2021) - 研究髓質骨 (Medullary bone) 的動員與維生素 D 的角色。
Week 12 Sperm Storage Sperm storage tubules in the avian oviduct (Mizushima et al., 2021) - 揭示精子如何在輸卵管中存活數週的生理機制。
Week 13 Oviposition Prostaglandins and the control of avian oviposition (Guan et al., 2023) - 分析前列腺素如何誘導子宮收縮與產卵。
Week 14 Incubation/Prolactin The role of prolactin in the transition from laying to incubation (Angelier et al., 2022) - 探討泌乳素如何抑制 HPG 軸並驅動就巢行為。
Week 15 Prenatal Hormones Maternal hormones in avian eggs: An update (Groothuis et al., 2022) - 說明母體賀爾蒙(如雄激素)如何預先設定雛鳥的生長與性格。
Week 16 Termination & Molt Mechanisms of photorefractoriness in birds (Sharp et al., 2023) - 探討繁殖季結束時甲狀腺素如何引發性腺萎縮。
self-directed
learning
   03.Preparing presentations or reports related to industry and academia.
   05.Participation in various workshops organized by different departments of NCHU.

Evaluation
文獻評析 (Journal Club): 每兩週挑選上述清單中的一篇論文,讓學生進行導讀,特別關注其 方法論 (Methodology)(如:CRISPR 基因編輯或轉錄組學)。
研究計畫書: 要求學生參考第 16 週的文獻,設計一個實驗來測試 氣候暖化 (Thermal stress) 如何干擾 HPG 軸的賀爾蒙分泌。
Textbook & other References
1. Reproduction in poultry, Robert Etches (1996)
2. Current and classic research papers
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
iLearning( https://lms2020.nchu.edu.tw/)
Office Hours
By appointment
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs(Link URL)
02.Zero Hunger   03.Good Health and Well-Being   15.Life On Landinclude experience courses:N
Please respect the intellectual property rights and use the materials legally.Please respect gender equality.
Update Date, year/month/day:2026/04/14 13:46:00 Printed Date, year/month/day:2026 / 5 / 09
The second-hand book website:http://www.myub.com.tw/