Around 1-2% of all babies in the UK are born by IVF, with varying figures in many other countries. Internationally, reproductive medicine generally, and IVF in particular, is an area in which the UK is world leading. This module will explore the many aspects of practical IVF (including ICSI, and PGD) and the factors that affect it. A feature of the module will be the presentation of similar issues from different perspectives e.g. that of the clinician, the counsellor and the laboratory manager.
A career as a scientist in reproductive medicine (e.g. clinical embryologist) is a popular path. Although the proposed module does not aim to address the specific goal of training prospective clinical embryologists in how to perform their operational tasks (such training is provided in-house in a highly regulated clinical environment and leads to a vocational qualification), this module will give students a realistic expectation of the likelihood of them excelling in, and enjoying, this popular career path. This module will thus explore the basics of lab technique and good practice, pipette making, egg collection and in-vitro maturation, sperm assessment, insemination, ICSI, embryo grading, assisted hatching, spreading and preimplantation diagnosis. For obvious reasons embryos from non-human model species (e.g. mouse, bovine, pig) will be used.
Total contact hours: 45
Private study hours: 105
Total study hours: 150
30% - in-course assessment assignment of practical competences
70% - the quality of the reflective log and individual short tests e.g. media calculations, semen analysis, embryo grading, patient leaflet, mini-essay (1500 words), and final test (tests and calculations typically are from 20min – 1 hour)
A Textbook of In Vitro Fertilization and Assisted Reproduction: The Bourn Hall Guide to Clinical and Laboratory Practice: Includes Bourn Hall Protocols on CD-ROM. Peter R. Brinsden Informa Healthcare; 3rd edition (August 12, 2005)
Students are given extra, current, reading lists in-course
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have:
A broad knowledge and understanding of clinical and scientific aspects of IVF treatment as outlined in the course content.
The ability to search, synthesise and evaluate the scientific and medical literature pertaining to IVF.
The ability to analyse and evaluate unfamiliar scenarios and apply the knowledge gained in unfamiliar situations.
Competent practical skills similar to those practised by a clinical embryologist, (albeit using model organisms).
The ability present their skills as a well-presented laboratory notebook.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have:
An ability to search primary texts as well as secondary sources and marshal information effectively.
A critical, analytical perspective of the medical literature.
Some independence of thought and originality in the presentation of a scientific document.
The ability to reference the scientific and medical literature properly and present a bibliography in a means consistent with a scientific document.
The ability to present a range of media (graphs, tables, figures, video, large datasets etc.) in an appropriate fashion.
The ability to give a competent scientific presentation.
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