Module manager: Dr John Huntriss
Email: j.huntriss@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
See Programme Entry requirements
This module is not approved as an Elective
In this online 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. This module provides you with a firm foundation in the science of reproduction and early development and reproductive pathology thus preparing you for more specialised and clinically focussed modules that follow.
Objectives:
This online 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 access the online learning material for this module in addition to other university resources using Minerva which is the University’s portal and virtual learning environment. This module will be delivered via a combination of online module materials that you will work through, including interactive learning material, online media, self-test questions and other forms of interactive online content relevant to the module learning objectives. Your learning journey on this module is supported by the module manager in addition to other module tutors with whom you will interact with during a series of synchronous online sessions. You will also engage with asynchronous formative learning tasks within the module material that can be performed at a time that suits you.
How It Achieves the Objective: The online resources offer multiple avenues for in-depth explanation and demonstration and will provide a foundational understanding of key concepts and techniques for the module objectives, allowing you to study in an engaging way. Students are expected to engage in self-directed learning by utilising online materials to build their knowledge.
Synchronous online sessions offer a time for real-time interactions with the module tutors and also with your fellow students. These sessions are used to consolidate learning, answer questions, identify matters for immediate clarification or discuss specific points in detail, reinforcing your learning with activity-based approaches.
Asynchronous tasks drive engagement via formative tasks that can be performed at a time that is suitable for you.
During self-directed independent study time you will engage in wider reading in preparation for summative assessments (OSCEs) and undertake preparation for assessed course work assignments.
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.
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 online and via resources available via Minerva, enabling students to deepen their understanding of the foundational science underpinning clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technologies.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 20 | 3.5 | 70 |
| Drop-in Session | 4 | 1.5 | 6 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 118 | ||
| Private study hours | 100 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 82 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative Feedback Opportunities
A variety of formative feedback methods will be used to support your learning providing you with continuous insights into your progress and helping to identify any areas for improvement. You will be assigned an academic personal tutor, who with the module manager will review progress on completed tasks in the online module material, the synchronous tasks, asynchronous tasks and coursework in order to identify cases where additional support is required.
1. Formative tasks in online module material: Formative assessment is included via in-built questions, such as short answer questions (SAQs) or multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assess your progress and development. Formative MCQs and SAQs and other question types support the development of your understanding of the wider module content and scaffold your development towards the summative assessments, particularly the Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs) by driving learning across the breadth of the module.
2. Formative tasks and feedback in asynchronous activities: These include interaction with Minerva tools such as asynchronous discussion board tasks, debates, blogs, and forms of questioning and quizzes, which will be used to drive learning in specific areas and engagement with the online learning material. During these tasks, your contributions will be reviewed by module tutors who will provide comments, ideas and feedback. The tutors will use these tasks to assess your comprehension, identify learning needs, and track academic progress during the progression of the module. Collectively, these tasks provide formative support and development towards the summative OSCEs and also the assessed course work essay.
3. Formative tasks and feedback in synchronous (live, online) sessions: Formative assessment and feedback is also included during synchronous online live sessions to cover the subjects within the module objectives. These sessions will be delivered via real-time communication software applications. In these tutor-led sessions, you will analyse and discuss various scenarios and questions related to the module content, and undertake formative tasks, providing an opportunity to assess and deepen your understanding via structured online discussions. You will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in interactive discussions on the module content. Your contributions to online discussions will be noted to encourage regular engagement with the module material. These sessions provide formative support by consolidating academic skills in preparation for the summative online OSCEs and also the assessed course work.
4. Formative OSCE (FOSCE) training: An online FOSCE will help you prepare for the summative online OSCE by allowing you to experience the online OSCE assessment format and to observe the typical nature of the module material within that assessment format. These sessions provide a driver for you to revise, practice and refine your knowledge of module content and skills in preparation for the online summative OSCEs.
5. Formative assessment scaffolding for preparation of written assessed course work
Formative support and feedback will be provided during written coursework preparation in addition to the comprehensive feedback after submission. A key formative feedback opportunity involves scaffolding the assessment process through early-stage guidance. This opportunity for formative feedback during written coursework preparation includes online whiteboard sessions on Minerva and/or feedback on a draft/outline of the essay as examples. 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 you align work with module assessment expectations from the outset.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 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: 28/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team