Module manager: Matthew Cotterill
Email: m.cotterill@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
See programme entry requirements
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module offers a comprehensive exploration of the practices, roles and responsibilities of working in an assisted fertility clinic. You will work in teams to address real-world challenges faced by fertility clinics, such as optimising operational efficiency and integrating reproductive technologies to meet the requirements of the design brief. Lectures will cover essential layout and facilities in fertility clinics, sustainable design practices, management and quality assurance practices and the latest innovations in clinic technology and operations
Objectives:
Design an IVF Clinic: Create a comprehensive IVF clinic design that complies with current regulations and integrates state-of-the-art technologies and efficient workflows tailored for assisted reproduction.
Quality Management: Develop a thorough understanding of quality management systems and their implementation to maintain high standards of safety, compliance, and efficiency in IVF laboratories.
Environmental Sustainability: Evaluate the environmental impact of assisted fertility centres, exploring strategies to mitigate waste, reduce energy consumption, and adopt sustainable practices in clinical operations.
Innovations in ART Design: Investigate recent advancements in assisted reproduction technologies, critically assessing their potential for real-world application and their impact on enhancing clinic functionality and patient care.
Teaching Methods and Learning Activities
Teaching:
You will learn through in person lectures, tutorials and group learning and will be further supported via blended learning through online material available on Minerva.
How It Achieves the Objective: Lectures will provide in-depth explanations and demonstrations, enabling you to understand key concepts and techniques. Tutorials address specific problems and allow you to revise and consolidate understanding of module content with tutor guidance. Group learning provides the opportunity to collaborate with peers, share insights and develop your design plans. Online material provides you with supportive learning material to help independent learning.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Design an IVF Clinic: Develop a comprehensive IVF clinic layout that complies with regulations, optimises space and workflow, integrates suitable technologies, and includes staffing plans and schedules.
2. Quality Management: Demonstrate understanding and application of quality management systems in IVF laboratories, including the implementation of quality control and assurance protocols to maintain high standards.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Assess the environmental impact of IVF clinics, incorporating strategies to reduce waste, conserve energy, and adopt sustainable practices within the design and operation of fertility clinics.
4. Future Perspectives: Critically evaluate emerging technologies such as AI and digital health tools to enhance clinic efficiency and patient care. Design adaptable, patient-centred clinic layouts that integrate innovative technologies and future-proof operations.
Skills Learning Outcomes
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Academic Skills: Critically evaluate advanced methods and techniques in embryo culture, semen analysis, and quality management, applying evidence-based reasoning to address design and technological challenges in clinical embryology and andrology. Synthesise research data to inform practice and communicate findings effectively to specialist audiences.
2. Digital Skills: Design IVF clinic layouts using architectural software and use digital tools for data analysis and literature searches. Collaborate effectively using digital platforms to produce group presentations and clinic design projects, integrating research findings into practical outputs.
3. Work-Ready Skills: Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly in team discussions and presentations. Manage time and prioritise tasks effectively while collaborating on group projects, such as virtual IVF clinic designs, demonstrating commercial awareness and understanding the impact of design decisions on stakeholders.
4. Sustainability Skills: Assess the environmental impact of fertility clinics and implement strategies to reduce waste and energy use. Incorporate sustainable practices into clinic and laboratory designs, focusing on resource efficiency and eco-friendly operations.
This module explores the principles and practices required to design a state-of-the-art IVF clinic. Students will develop skills in creating comprehensive clinic layouts that comply with regulations, optimise workflow, and incorporate advanced quality management systems. Emphasis is placed on integrating sustainable practices into clinic operations by evaluating environmental impacts, such as energy consumption and waste management, and proposing eco-friendly solutions. The module also examines emerging technologies, including AI and data analytics, and their potential to enhance clinical efficiency and patient care.
Through interactive lectures, group activities, and practical sessions, students will learn to design IVF clinics using digital tools, collaborate effectively on group projects, and communicate complex concepts clearly in team presentations. Assessments include a digital clinic blueprint, a reflective report, and an oral presentation, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of technical, academic, and sustainability skills required for innovative IVF clinic design and management.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-in Session | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lecture | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 4 | 3 | 12 |
| Independent online learning hours | 70 | ||
| Private study hours | 200 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
1. Lab Design Tutorial Group Sessions
Tutorial sessions will be scheduled throughout the module. These sessions will facilitate group-based discussions and offer opportunities for individual questions. The sessions serve as a collaborative platform for you to present and refine your lab design concepts while receiving constructive feedback from both peers and instructors. This format encourages innovation, critical thinking, and supports effective design planning.
2. Recap and Module Tutorial
A recap and tutorial session will be held at the end of the module. In this session, you will analyse and discuss various questions and scenarios related to the module content, providing an opportunity to assess and deepen your understanding. You 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.
3. 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 clinic design preparation will be provided via methods such as a whiteboard session on Minerva and/or interactive tutorial sessions throughout the module. This allows you to discuss the assessment topics, to aid preparation, to contextualise the design brief and for you to ask questions related to preparation of the presentation. 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 | Presentation - Group work, oral presentation for the clinic design assignment and written critique | 50 |
| Coursework | Examine theoretical competence of module material | 50 |
| Coursework | Formative preparation of coursework - Formative tasks for preparation of coursework | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
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). Any individual failing to pass the group presentation would submit a 2000 word written assessment.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team