PGDip Clinical Embryology(Distance Learning)

Year 2

(Award available for year: Postgraduate Diploma)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should be able to:
- Discuss the latest developments in our understanding of the endocrinological control of human reproduction, gametogenesis, fertilization in vivo and early embryonic development
- Use a wide range of routinely used laboratory techniques in molecular biology, cell biology and genetics e.g. PCR. rtPCR etc
- Have a profound knowledge of normal male and female reproductive function and the causes and management of subfertility
- Have a full comprehension of the principles and practice of tissue culture – especially as they relate to gamete, zygote and embryo culture and in vitro fertilization
- Establish and maintain such quality assurance procedures which are essential to the reliable operation of an IVF clinic
- Fully comprehend the importance of assisted fertilization techniques and know how to carry out micromanipulation techniques
- Evaluate the latest developments and techniques used for cryopreservation of oocytes, spermatozoa, zygotes, cleavage stage embryos and blastocysts as well as the options for cryopreservation of ovarian and testicular biopsies
- Assess the HFE Act and the HFEA Code of Practice in relation to: duties and responsibilities as embryologists; IVF systems; embryos; and discuss the wider ethical issues involved in infertility treatments
- Show advanced skills in report writing, oral and visual presentations as well as constructive and critical discussion and comparison of topics and techniques.

Transferable (key) skills

Postgraduate Diploma students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity within a clinical utilising assisted reproductive technology;
- evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critical engagement in the development of good practice and quality assurance procedures in a professional setting.

Assessment

Achievement for the Postgraduate Diploma will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- evaluating received opinion;
- making sound judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.