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2021/22 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

REPR5240M Cryobiology and Cryopreservation

15 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Dr Matthew Cotterill
Email: m.cotterill@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Jan to 31 May, 1 Oct to 31 Jul View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Pre-requisite qualifications

Attendance at REPR5210M, REPR5220M.

Pre-requisites

REPR5210MFund. of Clinical Embryology
REPR5220MIVF and Embryo Culture

Co-requisites

REPR5160MResearch in Reproduction, Embryology & Assisted Reproduction
REPR5230MMicromanipulation
REPR5250MEthics & Law for Embryologists
REPR5260MRes. Proj: Clinical Embryology

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- critically evaluate the basic principles of cryobiology and cryopreservation protocols;
- critically assess the latest developments and techniques used for cryopreservation of oocytes, spermatozoa, zygotes, cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts;
- critically evaluate the options available for cryopreservation of ovarian and testicular biopsies.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- fully comprehend the basic principles and practices of cryobiology;
- have an in-depth knowledge of and be able to critically evaluate the latest methodologies for cryopreservation by slow freezing and vitrification of oocytes, sperm, embryos of all stages and ovarian and testicular tissue;
- critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages; risks and benefits associated with these technologies.

Skills outcomes
Students should learn the principles and practice of cryobiology and cryopreservation as applied to reproductive tissue.
Students should learn how to apply the latest technological advances in this field.


Syllabus

This module will concentrate on the technologies used for cryopreservation by slow freezing and vitrification. The principles and practice of cryobiology will be presented. Further to this the application of this technology to assisted conception will be explored in the context of sperm, embryos, blastocysts, oocytes, ovarian tissue and testicular tissue.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
On-line Learning501.0050.00
Lecture41.004.00
Practical13.003.00
Tutorial31.003.00
Private study hours90.00
Total Contact hours60.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

Students will be expected to work in their own time researching online coursework and building their knowledge from the online materials

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Personal tutors are in regular, frequent contact with students by email, internet and telephone. Students have face-to-face tutorials to discuss topical issues and questions, to review progress and assessment feedback, with early identification and support for students who are not achieving at a satisfactory level.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x 1,500 word essay50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)50.00

The schedule for submission of the assessment for full-time MSc/PG Diploma Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology as detailed above is different to the schedule for submission of the assessment for the part-time MSc/PG Diploma Clinical Embryology due to the different schedule for delivery of the two programmes. For the part-time MSc/PG Diploma Clinical Embryology the essay will be set in semester 1, week 0 of year 2, for submission in Semester 1, week 5 of year 2 of study. Resits will be available for this piece of coursework.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment3 hr 00 mins50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)50.00

The format of this assessment is subject to change due to restrictions imposed by Covid-19; the assessment will continue to meet the learning outcomes and the PSRB requirements. The schedule for assessments for full-time MSc/PG Diploma Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology is different to the schedule for assessments for part-time MSc/PG Diploma Clinical Embryology. To reflect the different schedule for delivery of the two programmes, the full-time MSc/PG Diploma Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology online time limited assessment will be set at the end of semester 2. For the part-time MSc/PG Diploma Clinical Embryology the online time limited assessment will be set at the end of semester 2 of year 2 of study.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:23:43

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