Module manager: Ivan Solvas Martinez
Email: i.solvasmartinez@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
See Programme Entry requirements
REPR5240M
This module is not approved as an Elective
This online module explores the science and techniques of cryobiology and cryopreservation, focusing on both slow freezing and vitrification methods. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these technologies are applied in the field of assisted conception, encompassing the preservation of sperm, embryos, blastocysts, oocytes, and ovarian and testicular tissues. The module bridges theoretical principles with practical applications
Objectives:
1. Understanding Principles of Cryobiology: You will explore the theoretical principles that govern cryobiology, learning how these principles are related to practical cryopreservation techniques in the laboratory.
2. Exploration of Latest Cryopreservation Techniques: The module will ensure that you are well-versed in both conventional and emerging techniques for cryopreserving oocytes, spermatozoa, zygotes, cleavage-stage embryos, and blastocysts.
3. Cryopreservation of Ovarian and Testicular Biopsies: You will gain a sound understanding of the different methods and options available for the cryopreservation of ovarian and testicular tissue.
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 the summative assessments and undertake preparation for assessed course work assignments.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Comprehend Principles of Cryobiology: Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, articulating, and evaluating the core scientific principles that govern the field of cryobiology.
2. Evaluate Cryopreservation Techniques: Critically assess various cryopreservation methodologies for oocytes, sperm, and embryos at all developmental stages, analysing their advantages, disadvantages, and associated risks and benefits.
3. Master Ovarian and Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation: Develop in-depth knowledge of advanced cryopreservation techniques for ovarian and testicular tissue, critically evaluating their clinical efficacy and limitations.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MODULE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. Academic Skills: Critically evaluate the principles and applications of cryobiology and cryopreservation in reproductive biology. Formulate and address key research questions by demonstrating proficiency in gathering, interpreting, and synthesising data to produce evidence-based academic assessments.
2. Work-Ready Skills: Demonstrate knowledge of fertility preservation to develop evidence-based solutions for case-based scenarios, for theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills.
3. Technical Skills: Develop a comprehensive theoretical understanding of cryopreservation techniques, including the use of cryoprotectants for preserving isolated cells and complex tissues in reproductive biology.
4. Enterprise Skills: Effectively search, evaluate, and integrate information from diverse sources to support evidence-based decision-making in cryopreservation and fertility preservation techniques.
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the key concepts and practices involved in the fertility preservation of human gametes, embryos, and reproductive tissues. Students will delve into the principles and scientific foundations of cryopreservation, gaining a comprehensive understanding of established techniques and their clinical applications. The syllabus also examines emerging technologies and innovations in cryopreservation, assessing their potential impact on reproductive medicine. Additionally, students will develop advanced knowledge of cryopreservation methods for ovarian and testicular tissue, critically evaluating their efficacy, limitations, and role in clinical practice. This module integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for the complexities of fertility preservation in reproductive science and ART.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 10 | 3.5 | 35 |
| Drop-in Session | 2 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Seminar | 2 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Independent online learning hours | 59 | ||
| Private study hours | 50 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative Feedback Opportunities
A variety of formative feedback methods will be used to support your learning throughout the module providing you with continuous insights into your progress and helping to identify any areas for improvement. Every student is assigned an academic personal tutor who, along with the module manager, will review progress on completed tasks in the online module materials, as well as synchronous and asynchronous tasks. This review process aims to identify students who may need additional support.
1. Formative tasks in online module material: Formative assessment is integrated into the module through built-in questions, such as short answer questions (SAQs) and multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that are included in the online module material. These are a way of assessing your progress and development on the module. Formative MCQs and SAQs and other question types support the development of your understanding of the wider module content and are used for scaffolding your development towards the summative assessment, 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 of the module and to drive engagement with the online learning material. During these asynchronous tasks, your contributions will be reviewed by module tutors who will provide comments, ideas and feedback to help drive learning. Your module tutors will use these asynchronous 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 assessment.
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. Students will be encouraged to raise questions and participate in interactive discussions on the module content. Your contributions to online discussions will be noted for the purpose of encouraging regular engagement with the module material.
4. 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, case-base study example during the tutorial 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 students 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 | Coursework - Examine theoretical competence of module material via choice of case-base scenarios | 100 |
| Coursework | Formative preparation of coursework - Formative tasks for preparation of coursework | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Format: Students will sit a 2,000-word coursework essay based on a case study.
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