MSc Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the MSc programme students should have shown evidence of being able to:
- Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and in development of professional relationships with others
- Proactively to 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
- 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 clinician working in ART
- Independently acquire knowledge and utilise it for applied- or research- purposes.
- 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 chosen field of study.
- Conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature in their chosen topic
- Plan and conduct an original programme of research in a supervised laboratory or desktop environment that will test a hypothesis.
- Demonstrate an ability to collate data and critically evaluate laboratory results and research findings
- Understand how research can help inform strategies for treating reproductive dysfunction and infertility.
- Demonstrate an enhanced capability to assess and provide leadership in investigating complex and ethically sensitive clinical problems

Transferable (key) skills

Taught MSc 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.
- Skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice
- 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:
- Demonstrate both an understanding of- and proficiency in- 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, manipulate and assess gametes.
- Perform in vitro fertilisation and embryo culture to pre-implantation stages.
- Perform micro-manipulation procedures for procuring fertilisation in vitro and assisted embryo hatching
- Perform cryopreservation of embryos and sperm
- 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
- Ability to undertake basic, applied or clinical research for a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice such as clinical embryology or reproductive medicine;
- Effective skills for presentation of data in scientific formats including as written, poster or oral presentation

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (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 assessment covering module content such as interactive tutorials, problem based learning sessions, draft research dissertation submission for feedback etc.
- Summative assessment including course work (essays, case studies, practical log book, presentations) formal examinations).
- Demonstrating the ability to make informed judgements.
- All Master’s students will write an original, hypothesis driven research proposal
- All Master’s students will write a dissertation on original, hypothesis driven research carried out during their project and they will give a 10 minute presentation on their work