2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
REPR5240M Cryobiology and Cryopreservation
15 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Dr Matthew Cotterill
Email: m.cotterill@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Jan to 31 May, 1 Sep to 31 Jul View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisite qualifications
Attendance at REPR5210M, REPR5220M.Pre-requisites
| REPR5210M | Fund. of Clinical Embryology |
| REPR5220M | IVF and Embryo Culture |
Co-requisites
| REPR5160M | Research in Reproduction, Embryology & Assisted Reproduction |
| REPR5230M | Micromanipulation |
| REPR5250M | Ethics & Law for Embryologists |
| REPR5260M | Res. 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 type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| On-line Learning | 50 | 1.00 | 50.00 |
| Lecture | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Practical | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Tutorial | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Private study hours | 90.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 60.00 | ||
| 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 materialsOpportunities 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 type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 1 x 1,500 word essay | 50.00 |
| 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 type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) | 1 hr 00 mins | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 11/05/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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