2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

REPR5160M Research in Reproduction, Embryology & Assisted Reproduction Technology

60 creditsClass Size: 40

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

Taught: 1 Sep to 30 Sept (13mth) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A 2(ii) degree or equivalent (as appropriate) in an appropriate biological or biomedical science subject or medicine. Students who have successfully completed the first 3 years of MBChB, or related programme may also be permitted to intercalate onto this programme. Non graduates with equivalent qualifications in a vocational subject such as HND may also be considered for PGDip qualifications according to guidelines set out by the NHS and the Dept of Health on widening participation in higher education and modernising scientific careers (Scientist Training Programme).

Pre-requisites

REPR5210M	Fund. of Clinical Embryology
REPR5220M	IVF and Embryo Culture

Co-requisites

REPR5230M	Micromanipulation
REPR5240M	Cryobiology & Cryopreservation
REPR5250M	Ethics & Law for Embryologists

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

This module provides training in laboratory skills and research methods and gives students the opportunity to undertake original research via a laboratory or desk based research project. Students will gain hands-on practical experience of:
- Laboratory techniques relevant to research in reproduction, embryology and ART including routinely used laboratory techniques in molecular biology, cell biology and genetics e.g. PCR, rtPCR, RACE, FISH, as well as IVM, IVF, ICSI, micromanipulation, embryo culture, semen analysis.
- Research methods, experimental design, allocation and justification of resource usage
- Critical evaluation of published literature
- Collation and analysis of data
- Powerpoint presentation of research plans and / or research outcomes
- Experience of laboratory- or desk-based research through the undertaking and submission of an original piece of research

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Conduct a critical, comprehensive and systematic review of the literature on a chosen topic
- Understand and use a range of laboratory methods and to document their use
- Have an understanding of hypothesis-driven research
- Demonstrate an ability to identify, write down and present a research concept and to formulate a hypothesis that could add to the body of knowledge in the theme of either reproduction, embryology or assisted reproduction technology
- Plan and conduct original research in a supervised laboratory or desktop environment that will test a hypothesis
- Collate and analyse data and write-up research results
- Present and discuss ideas and research findings
- Demonstrate an enhanced capability to assess and provide leadership in investigating complex and ethically sensitive problems

Skills outcomes
Critical Thinking
Independent Working
Planning & Organisation
Research Skills
Use of Knowledge

Syllabus

- Laboratory research skills
- Research methods
- Paper criticism
- Statistics for biologists
- Practical training and log of activities
- Original research project.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Laboratory	14	3.00	42.00
Problem Based Learning	2	2.00	4.00
presentation	2	2.00	4.00
Lecture	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	1	2.00	2.00
Practical	100	4.00	400.00
Tutorial	1	2.00	2.00
Private study hours			145.00
Total Contact hours			455.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Private study

Students will use a blend of on-line and library based resources to carry out their paper criticisms, literature review, research planning and project write-up. Independent learning and private study are key components of the research project.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Due to the highly interactive nature of this module, progress in lab skills training will be monitored on a session-by-session basis by teachers /supervisors. During the course of the research project student progress will be monitored on an almost daily basis through direct student/teacher/supervisor contact and through a series of supervised practicals, lectures and tutorials. Additionally, individual student reviews aimed at monitoring research progress will be conducted with the module leader and/or teachers/supervisors.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Oral Presentation	presentation of project	10.00
Report	Research dissertation 15,000 words	70.00
Practical Report	Practical log book	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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 website

Last updated: 01/11/2024

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