1. Critically evaluate core and advanced concepts in reproductive biology
2. Analyse the etiology and management of male and female infertility
3. Integrate understanding of gamete and embryo biology to ART practices
4. Design and critically evaluate innovative IVF clinic spaces
5. Critically evaluate principles and techniques in fertility preservation
6. Critically evaluate molecular and genetic techniques in reproductive science
7. Design and present a research proposal to advance the field of reproductive science (MSc Only)
Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Academic Skills: Develop advanced critical thinking, synthesising complex scientific literature and developing academic writing skills.
2. Digital Skills: Become proficient in using digital tools for example, information gathering and designing IVF clinic layouts.
3. Work-Ready Skills: Communicate complex scientific concepts, demonstrate strong teamwork, collaboration and leadership skills and time management skills.
4. Technical Skills: Develop understanding of quality assurance protocols and clinical and research standards in ART clinics.
5. Sustainability Skills: Evaluate and integrate ethical, environmental, and sustainable approaches in ART and reproductive research.
6. Enterprise Skills: Devise creative solutions to complex challenges, develop adaptability, resilience and the ability to learn from setbacks.
The assessment strategy for the MSc in Clinical Embryology (CEDL) is designed to comprehensively evaluate the theoretical understanding of students, ensuring they achieve the academic standards required for postgraduate study in clinical embryology, reproductive science and ART. This includes both formative and summative assessment methods, to assess students’ mastery of the programme’s learning outcomes.
MSc: Formative Assessment: these are embedded throughout the modules to provide continuous feedback and opportunities for skill refinement. These sessions support the consolidation of academic skills in preparation for the summative online OSCEs and assessed coursework.
A variety of formative feedback methods will be used to support your learning throughout the module, providing you with ongoing insights into your progress and help identify areas for improvement.
1. Formative Tasks in Online Module Material: Formative assessment is included in the module through embedded questions, such as short answer questions (SAQs) and multiple-choice questions (MCQs), within the online materials.
2. Formative Tasks and Feedback in Asynchronous Activities: Asynchronous activities, including asynchronous discussion board tasks, debates, blogs, and quizzes on Minerva.
3. Formative Tasks and Feedback in Synchronous (Live, Online) Sessions: Formative assessments and feedback are also incorporated during synchronous live sessions, covering topics aligned with the module objectives. These sessions will be conducted via real-time communication tools.
4. Formative Online OSCE (FOSCE) Training: An online Formative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (FOSCE) will prepare you for the summative online OSCE for this module. You will experience the OSCE format and type of module material assessed.
5. Formative Scaffolding for Written Coursework: feedback will be provided during the preparation of written coursework, with additional feedback offered after submission.
6. Feed-forward comments on Assessed Coursework: After submission, you will receive, via Minerva, individualised written feedback on your assessed coursework, highlighting strengths and improvement areas.
7. Research Proposal Feedback is offered at key stages.
MSc: Summative Assessment - designed to comprehensively evaluate your achievement across all subject-specific and skills-based learning outcomes. For example:
1. Coursework Essays: Essays allow you to engage deeply with module content, constructing informed arguments and synthesising complex information. This format develops critical thinking and written communication skills essential for research and professional practice.
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs): Online OSCEs evaluate your breadth of knowledge and your ability to respond to real-world scenarios in real time. This authentic assessment format mirrors the requirements of professional clinical roles and serves as excellent preparation for job interviews in embryology.
3. Research Proposal: The research proposal is assessed at three stages:
i) Research Presentation: Assessing your ability to communicate research concepts clearly and defend their scientific rationale.
ii) Framework for Overall Experimental Strategy: Assessing your ability to formulate a near final draft of the overall experimental strategy.
iii) Research Proposal: Evaluating your ability to formulate research questions, conduct a critical literature review, and design experiments to test their hypothesis.
4. Group Projects and Presentations: Group projects assess collaborative and communication skills. Each student is required to contribute to the project and produce an individual report, reflecting your own input and insights.
5. Individual Presentations: Presentations assess your ability to convey complex concepts to an academic audience, showcasing your mastery of the content, clarity of thought, and professional presentation skills.
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