Module manager: Dr John Huntriss
Email: j.huntriss@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
See programme entry requirements
This module is not approved as an Elective
In this module you will gain a firm foundation in the reproductive biology and science of human reproduction and a firm understanding of key subjects that are fundamental to clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technology (ART). The module covers key processes including gametogenesis, fertilisation, preimplantation embryo development, implantation, pregnancy and explores the associated reproductive pathologies. The fundamental concepts of reproduction and early development as provided in this module will give you a solid platform for onward study in subjects related to clinical embryology and ART. Key features are teaching delivery by active researchers in these subject areas.
Objectives:
This module aims to equip you with a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental concepts and issues of reproductive science and biology that underpin clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technology.
The specific focus areas include:
1. Gametogenesis to Fertilisation: You will study the important processes relevant to gametogenesis and fertilisation, exploring the developmental journey leading to mature gametes in both males and females and how they contribute to the process of fertilisation.
2. Preimplantation Development to Pregnancy: You will examine the key biological processes involved in preimplantation embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy.
3. Complications, Screening and Pathology: You will gain insights related to infertility, complications and disease related to early development, pregnancy, and embryo implantation, in addition to prenatal screening.
Teaching Methods and Learning Activities
Teaching:
You will learn through in-person lectures, tutorials and seminars, and students are further supported via online material available on Minerva.
How It Achieves the Objective: These lectures will provide in-depth explanations and demonstrations, enabling students to understand key concepts and techniques. Tutorials address specific problems and allow you to revise and consolidate understanding of module content with tutor guidance, reinforcing your learning with activity-based approaches. Seminars allow discussion and exploration of specific subjects. Online material is provided to you on Minerva to support your independent online learning.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Critically discuss and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the fundamental concepts and mechanisms of reproductive biology relevant to gametogenesis and fertilisation at the developmental, cellular, molecular, and physiological levels
2. Recognise and evaluate the roles of reproductive cell types and tissues in the processes of gametogenesis and fertilisation.
3. Critically evaluate key reproductive biology concepts from preimplantation embryo development to implantation and pregnancy. across developmental, cellular, molecular, and physiological levels.
4. Recognise and interpret the roles of specific reproductive cell types and tissues involved in preimplantation development and pregnancy.
5. Assess and critically analyse the major causes and pathologies underlying infertility.
6. Examine the influences and pathologies related to embryo and fetal development, implantation, pregnancy and evaluate screening methods for identification of fetal abnormalities.
Skills Learning Outcomes
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Academic Skills: Critically appraise key concepts and methodologies in reproductive biology, gametogenesis, and fertilisation, producing well-structured and referenced, evidence-based written work and demonstrate proficiency in skills related to academic integrity
2. Work-Ready Skills: Manage your own learning tasks autonomously, using resources effectively and maintain performance under time constraints and tight deadlines.
3. Enterprise Skills: Adapt to varying circumstances, learn from feedback and demonstrate effective communication.
This module introduces the key processes and concepts of reproductive biology and reproductive science, focusing on germ cell origins, gametogenesis, fertilisation, preimplantation development, implantation, and pregnancy. You will explore the molecular, physiological, and developmental aspects of these processes, alongside the reproductive anatomy, tissues, and cell types that support them. The module also examines complications and pathologies associated with fertilisation, early development, implantation, and pregnancy, as well as the causes and implications of infertility. Teaching is delivered through in-person lectures, tutorials, and seminars, complemented by online resources available via Minerva, enabling students to deepen their understanding of the foundational science underpinning clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technologies.
Assessments include in-class tests and online resources to provide feedback to consolidate your understanding and prepare you for summative assessments. The summative written assessment evaluates your critical analysis of gametogenesis, fertilisation, and related reproductive processes, while the OSCE assessment tests your theoretical knowledge of preimplantation development, implantation, pregnancy, and associated complications. Together, these assessments ensure you develop a robust theoretical foundation and critical understanding of reproductive biology.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 6 | 1.5 | 9 |
| Lecture | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| Seminar | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Seminar | 3 | 1.5 | 4.5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 95 | ||
| Private study hours | 175 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative Feedback Opportunities
A variety of formative feedback methods will be used to monitor your progress and support student learning throughout the module.
1. In class tests: These include questioning and quizzes, which will be used to assess comprehension, identify learning needs, and track academic progress during lectures and other sessions. In class test occur in every lecture. These provide formative feedback for subjects covered in OSCEs and in assessed course work essays.
2. MCQs: You will have access to online formative MCQs that are available via Minerva. These assist students in preparation for OSCEs by driving learning across the breadth of the module.
3. FOSCE training: A Formative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (FOSCE) training session, allows you to experience exposure to the OSCE assessment format within a supportive formative environment and provides a driver for you to revise, practice and refine your knowledge of module content and skills in preparation for OSCEs.
4. Module Recap and Tutorial
A module recap and tutorial session will be held at the end of each of the three main subject areas, therefore for this module, a total of three tutorials will be held. These will be held during semester 1 and therefore prior to the final examination. In this session, you will analyse and discuss various scenarios and questions related to the module content, providing an opportunity to assess and deepen your understanding. Students will also be encouraged to raise questions and participate in interactive discussions on any aspect of the module. The aim of this session is to assess student progress, address any uncertainties, and consolidate academic skills in preparation for the summative assessment, particularly via OSCEs. Any issues that are outstanding after this session can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis in separate meetings.
5. Assessment Scaffolding
A key formative feedback opportunity in the module involves scaffolding the assessment process through early-stage guidance. This opportunity for formative feedback during written coursework preparation will be provided via methods such as a whiteboard session on Minerva and/or feedback on a draft/outline of the essay. This allows you to discuss the essay topics, to aid preparation, to contextualise the essay and for you to ask questions related to preparation. This early engagement allows tutors to offer advice on the relevant literature and areas of relevance, helping students align their work with module assessment expectations from the outset
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Examine theoretical competence of module material | 50 |
| Coursework | Formative preparation of coursework - Formative tasks for preparation of coursework | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
The coursework constitutes a 2000-word essay. There is no compensation between elements of summative assessment; each element must be passed. In the event of failure of one or more elements, the module mark will be capped at 50 on successful resit of the failed element(s).
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) | 0.0 Hrs 20 Mins | 50 |
| Mock OSCE | 0.0 Hrs 20 Mins | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
There is no compensation between elements of summative assessment; each element must be passed. In the event of failure of one or more elements, the module mark will be capped at 50 on successful resit of the failed element(s).
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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