PGDip Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology

Year 1

(Award available for year: Postgraduate Diploma)

Learning outcomes

PGDip track students will be able to:
- Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and in the development of professional relationships with others
- Proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to evaluate these
- Develop a foundation understanding of the principles and practices of clinical embryology
- Evaluate critically current issues and research in the field of embryology and ART
- Confidently and authoritatively demonstrate specialist knowledge of essential and advanced concepts in reproductive biology to show a deep understanding of the molecular, cellular and endocrinological aspects of reproductive function and dysfunction.
- Analytically and critically scrutinise the clinical and laboratory assessment of male and female reproductive function.
- Appreciate how rapid advances in micromanipulation, screening, diagnostics and accompanying technologies are impacting on treatment methods for female and male factor infertility.
- Critically evaluate the epigenetic risks associated with the use of assisted reproduction and micromanipulation technologies
- Comprehend the basic principles and practices of cryobiology and their application to ART
- Maintain an IVF laboratory consistent with current regulatory standards operating with state-of-the-art equipment and procedures
- Demonstrate a full comprehension of the importance of quality management in the IVF laboratory
- Demonstrate knowledge of infection control measures and be able to evaluate risks in the IVF laboratory
- Evaluate and assess the methods used to culture healthy oocytes and embryos
- Perform basic semen analysis and preparation for treatment
- Understand both national quality evaluation- and WHO global criteria- for semen evaluation
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the international regulatory framework within which ART is practiced as informed by governments, NGO’s and professional bodies including HFEA, WHO, ESHRE, ASRM, PGDIS.
- Comprehend the wider ethical issues involved in infertility treatment and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the application of ethics to the practices undertaken by embryologists and clinicians working in ART

Transferable (key) skills

Taught PGDip students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

General training:
- Critical thinking
- Independent working
- Time management, planning & organization
- Ethical awareness
- Self-awareness
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and by oral presentation
- Ability to utilise teaching and assessing skills
- Ability to be reflective and to read and critically evaluate the appropriate literature in the field.
- Ability to manage projects including provision of materials and equipment, liaison with skilled technical staff and conform to appropriate health and safety regulations.
- Ability to retrieve information from databases and the internet.
- Evaluate their own achievement and that of others
- Self direction and effective, considered decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- Independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development
- Critically engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

Specialist skill training for PGDip track students:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic laboratory technologies used in clinical embryology and assisted reproduction medicine and participate confidently in equal partnership within multi-professional teams
- Demonstrate knowledge of the requirements of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority pertaining to the regulation of clinical practice and research in ART within the UK.
- Retrieve and assess gametes.
- Perform in vitro fertilisation and embryo culture to pre-implantation stages.
- Understand common causes of infertility and clinical management of patients.
- Communicate effectively in viva voce/interview situation.
- Authoritatively discuss emerging techniques in assisted reproduction such as prenatal and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and screening, and in vitro maturation of human oocytes.
- Understand the rational behind stem cells and be able to confidently and authoritatively discuss its benefits and likely implications.
- Be aware of the genetics and epigenetics of reproduction and stem cell research arising from reproductive technologies.
- Demonstrate the ability to review and critique relevant literature

Assessment

Achievement for the PGDip taught programme will be assessed by a variety of methods (as detailed in the module catalogue documents) in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:
- Formative assessments covering module content such as interactive tutorials, problem based learning etc
- Summative assessment including course work (essays, case studies, practical write-ups, presentations) formal examinations).
- Demonstrating the ability to make informed judgements.