Module manager: Dr Matthew Cotterill
Email: M.Cotterill@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Sep to 30 Sept (13mth) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
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).
| REPR5210M | Fund. of Clinical Embryology |
| REPR5220M | IVF and Embryo Culture |
| REPR5230M | Micromanipulation |
| REPR5240M | Cryobiology & Cryopreservation |
| REPR5250M | Ethics & Law for Embryologists |
This module is not approved as an Elective
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
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
Critical Thinking
Independent Working
Planning & Organisation
Research Skills
Use of Knowledge
- Laboratory research skills
- Research methods
- Paper criticism
- Statistics for biologists
- Practical training and log of activities
- Original research project.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Problem Based Learning | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| presentation | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Practical | 100 | 4 | 400 |
| Tutorial | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 145 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 455 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
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.
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.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | presentation of project | 10 |
| Report | Research dissertation 15,000 words | 70 |
| Practical Report | Practical log book | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 01/11/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team