Module manager: Matthew Cotterill
Email: m.cotterill@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
See programme entry requirements
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module has three components: hands-on practical training, a research proposal, and the 'Step Forward' lecture series. In the practical training component, you will focus on learning advanced laboratory techniques in reproductive science, embryology, andrology, and ART. For the research proposal, you will develop an original research proposal that addresses a key research question which will train you in developing research and grant proposals, including a critical literature review, hypothesis formulation, and a comprehensive research plan. The 'Step Forward' lectures are designed to support you in preparing for your future career.
This module aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge for moving onward to a successful career in clinical embryology and related fields. This integrated module provides hands-on practical training, research methods, statistical analysis, and career guidance.
Laboratory Research Skills: You will gain practical, hands-on experience in a wide range of laboratory techniques central to clinical embryology, including embryo culture, ICSI, IVF and other essential procedures. The practical training portfolio will also cover routinely used laboratory methods such as sterile techniques, pipetting, microscopy, and key methodologies in molecular biology and genetic techniques for the analysis of embryos. You will create reflective entries using PebblePad to document your training in these techniques.
Research Methods: You will develop the ability to create and communicate original research ideas relevant to your chosen career path. Drawing on the practical training and accumulated theoretical knowledge, you will develop an original research proposal that addresses a key research question in reproductive science, embryology, andrology or ART. You will critically evaluate published literature and design a series of experiments to test your hypothesis, gaining a deeper understanding of experimental design principles.
Research Statistics: You will enhance your understanding of how statistical methods are applied in clinical research.
Step Forward Career Training: This component provides you with a broad overview of the transferable skills and career opportunities available to you, from the Scientist Training Programme (STP) required to become a clinical embryologist or andrologist, to roles in animal and laboratory research.
Teaching Methods and Learning Activities
The module will be delivered through a variety of methods designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and skills
Practical Sessions: A series of hands-on laboratory sessions throughout the MSc program, offering you direct experience with essential techniques in clinical embryology.
In-Person Lectures and Tutorials: These will provide foundational knowledge and interactive problem-solving opportunities.
Expert-Led Interactive Seminars: Seminars will cover experimental design, animal models, critical literature review, statistics, and research ethics. These sessions will help you refine your research topic, craft hypotheses, develop experimental plans, justify your methodologies, and compile accurate bibliographies.
How It Achieves the Objective: The diverse teaching methods, including practical applications, in-person learning, and expert seminars, ensure that you gain a deep understanding of theoretical concepts and develop practical skills. This combination allows you to fully engage with the material and apply what you have learned.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Practical and Technical Skills in Clinical Embryology: Demonstrate proficiency in key laboratory techniques, such as embryo culture, ICSI, and micromanipulation, while critically reflecting on practical skills to enhance professional development.
2. Research and Analytical Skills: Conduct systematic literature reviews to synthesise existing research, identify knowledge gaps, and support the development of original research concepts in reproductive science and ART.
3. Independent Critical Thinking and Statistical Application: Formulate and present evidence-based research proposals, applying critical thinking and evaluate appropriate statistical methods to test novel hypotheses in reproductive science.
4. Effective Communication of Research: Critically communicate and defend complex research ideas, hypotheses, and experimental designs clearly and effectively in written and oral formats to meet the expectations of specialist academic and clinical audiences.
Skills Learning Outcomes
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Research Skills: Apply research methods to address focused hypotheses in reproductive science and ART. Demonstrate proficiency in gathering, analysing, and synthesising literature to produce evidence-based research proposals and effectively communicate findings.
2. Technical Skills: Acquire and apply advanced laboratory techniques, including gamete handling, embryo culture, micromanipulation, and cryopreservation, to develop technical understanding necessary for roles in clinical embryology.
3. Work-Ready Skills: Demonstrate independent working abilities by managing time and resources effectively to meet deadlines and deepen understanding. Maintain composure and efficiency when leading complex investigations under high-pressure.
4. Academic Skills: Develop critical thinking skills to integrate and apply knowledge for solving complex problems in ART. Produce structured, clear, and evidence-supported academic writing in reproductive science and clinical embryology.
This module combines advanced laboratory training, research proposal development, and career-focused lectures to prepare students for careers in clinical embryology, andrology, and ART. Practical sessions provide hands-on experience with key laboratory techniques, including embryo culture, ICSI, IVF, and molecular biology methods, supported by reflective entries to document skill development. The research proposal component involves formulating and presenting an original research idea, encompassing critical literature review, hypothesis development, experimental design, and statistical analysis. The Step Forward lecture series further equips students with transferable skills and insights into career pathways, from clinical roles to research opportunities.
Teaching is delivered through a combination of practical laboratory sessions, in-person lectures, and expert-led seminars on research methods, experimental design, and ethics. Continuous formative feedback during lab work and research presentations will be given. Assessments include a critical reflective journal, a comprehensive research proposal dissertation, and an oral presentation, allowing students to demonstrate technical, analytical, and communication skills required for professional success in reproductive science and ART.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Lecture | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Practical | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Practical | 12 | 2.5 | 30 |
| Practical | 13 | 3 | 39 |
| Seminar | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1.5 | 12 |
| Independent online learning hours | 58 | ||
| Private study hours | 428 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 114 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
Throughout this module, you will have multiple opportunities to receive formative feedback on your progress. Feedback is designed to help you refine your skills, improve your understanding, and develop both practical and research competencies. The various feedback methods—laboratory-based, written, and verbal—provide a structured and scaffolded approach to facilitate continuous improvement in technical proficiency, research capabilities, and communication skills.
Formative Paper Criticism Session
At the start of the module, you will be given a formative group task and several supporting tutorials that will assist you to develop skills in critical analysis of the literature, together with developing skills in group work/collaboration and presentation skills.
Laboratory-Based Feedback
During the laboratory technical skills training sessions, you will receive hands-on and real-time feedback from tutors on a session-by-session basis on laboratory techniques relevant to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This immediate feedback helps you refine your practical competencies, ensuring that scientific principles can be applied accurately and effectively in a controlled lab environment. Tutors monitor your performance directly, providing individual feedback to support the acquisition of key technical and research skills relevant to ART.
Feedback on Critical Reflective Journal
You will receive detailed written feedback on the first formative reflective journal submission, which records the individual learning experience. This feedback covers the strengths and weaknesses of your work and offers guidance on how to improve written skills, argument structure, and adherence to academic standards.
Research Proposal Progression Feedback
Research proposal progression is closely monitored through six student-led, one-to-one meetings with a specialist project tutor over approximately 10 weeks ensuring consistent monitoring and support throughout the writing process. These sessions allow you to discuss the project ideas and refine the experimental approaches, research methodologies, and overall design of the proposal.
Research Proposal Draft Feedback
You will receive written feedback on a draft section of the research proposal. The feedback aims to help you to enhance written skills, argument development, and overall adherence to academic standards, covering the strengths and highlighting any areas for improvement. Collectively, this structured feedback helps you to address learning outcomes related to independent research, project management, and the integration of scientific knowledge into your proposal.
Feedback on Oral Presentations
Verbal feedback is provided after the oral research presentation. This feedback focuses on the clarity, structure, and effectiveness of the presentation and the content of the research proposal, helping to improve communication skills and delivery of complex research ideas and to make adjustments/improvements in the proposal where required.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Critical Reflective Journal - Creation of a reflective journal on PebblePad | 20 |
| Coursework | Research Proposal - Conduct a systematic review of the literature to generate an original, evidence-based research hypothesis and to design an experimental plan to address the hypothesis. | 40 |
| Coursework | Oral Presentation - communicate complex research ideas, hypothesis and experimental methods | 40 |
| Coursework | Formative task for the preparation of coursework. | |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The coursework is designed to assess your knowledge, laboratory technical skills, research abilities, understanding and communication. You will produce an authentic, real-world relevant integrated research project portfolio that supports your chosen career path after graduation. The integrated research project portfolio is comprised of the following assessed elements: Critical Reflective Journal (20%): You will document your individual learning experiences in specialist laboratory techniques and research methods associated with clinical embryology, andrology, ART, and reproductive science. This journal will demonstrate student-led inquiry and reflect on methodological, technical, statistical, and research questions arising from the MSc curriculum. Original Research Proposal (~10,000 words) (40%): You will conduct a critical literature review on a chosen topic, identifying a key technical or research question. You will formulate a novel hypothesis and design a comprehensive experimental plan to address your hypothesis, solving a real-world technical challenge or a clinical or research need. Oral Presentation (40%): You will deliver a presentation of your research ideas, hypothesis, experimental plan. This presentation will develop your ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and research outcomes. Other information about coursework Compensation applies between the Research Proposal (40%) and Oral Presentation (40%). The Critical Reflective Journal (20%) is a standalone assessment and must be passed independently. Where compensation is applied, students must achieve an overall module pass mark in line with University regulations. In the event of failure of one or more elements outside the compensatable components, 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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