Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception

Infertility is a common problem, with approximately 1 in 7 couples of reproductive age being diagnosed as infertile – equating to 72.5 million people globally – and there is an increasing demand for assisted reproductive technology (ART)

Human Clinical Embryology and Assisted Conception is an established taught Masters course which provides a robust and wide ranging education in human clinical embryology and ART, while helping you to develop high level laboratory skills in various aspects of reproductive medicine.

The emphasis of the course is on humans, and offers practical experience in handling and preparing sperm.

Modules
Semester 1
•  Clinical Statistics
•  Fundamental Science in Assisted Reproductive Techniques
•  Basic Laboratory Skills

Clinical Statistics
In this module you will learn the terminology and concepts of basic statistics – such as central tendency, variability, normal distribution, frequency and probability. This will enable you to apply and interpret the results of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Fundamental Science in Assisted Reproductive Techniques
This module will provide you with postgraduate level knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and issues involved in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) - at both a scientific and clinical level. You will be introduced to endocrinology and human genetics, and their application to reproductive medicine.

Basic Laboratory Skills
This module will enable you to become proficient in the application of basic laboratory practices to andrology and clinical embryology, with an emphasis on independent thought, and a research-orientated approach to the practice of assisted conception.

Semester 2
•  Running a Successful ART Laboratory and Clinical Service
•  Clinical issues and controversies in ART
•  Advanced Laboratory skills

Running a Successful ART Laboratory and Clinical Service
This module will cover the major clinical and laboratory issues involved in running a successful ART centre. You will be taught by embryologists regarding various aspects of laboratory management, including process and equipment validation, procurement of sperm and oocytes, and laboratory accreditation.

Clinical issues and controversies in ART
This module will enable you to gain the knowledge and understanding of complex clinical concepts and controversial issues involved in ART, including how many embryos to transplant, long term risks of treatment, social egg freezing, biomarkers and reproductive tourism. You will be allocated a patient to follow through a treatment cycle and consider all the different aspects of their care.

Advanced Laboratory skills
In this module, you will advance your laboratory skills through practical sessions, such as by inseminating oocytes, and culturing and grading embryos. To maximise your learning experience you will perform each practical in a group of 3 or 4 students.

Semester 3
Research Project
Research Project
This module marks an important stage of your degree, and gives you a valuable opportunity to show that you have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to organize and conduct an independent research project. Your chosen project will be undertaken with the supervision of experienced and well established researchers within the University

Entry Requirement
1st or upper second class hour's degree (lower class honors degree will be considered under exceptional circumstances) in the field of biological, biochemical or biomedical sciences. Doctors will also be accepted with an MBChB (or equivalent).