Course description
Key facts
-You will have the opportunity to observe work being carried in NUTURE (Nottingham University Research and Treatment Unit), which is one of the UK’s leading infertility units.
-This is a laboratory-based, science degree course rather than a clinically-based infertility treatment course.
-This course does not involve direct contact with patients or tuition in gynaecological / surgical procedures.
-As well as other Units in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, this course benefits from substantial input from the Department of Animal Physiology and Environmental Science, based at the Sutton Bonnington campus.
Course Content
The content of the MMedSci in Assisted Reproduction Technology deliberately integrates – through lectures and practical sessions – the theoretical basis of mammalian reproductive physiology with its foundations in the field of human assisted conception research.
Much of the emphasis of the practical work concentrates on the manipulation of mammalian gametes and embryos.
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Approximately one third of the total course duration is dedicated to the construction, preparation and investigation of a laboratory-based research project of up to 15,000 words. This is written up in thesis presentation form.
You will complete your project on an individual basis with the assistance of a designated project supervisor from within the science and medical departments of the University.
A number of specific projects will be offered each year but you are encouraged to devise your own topic. Previous projects have resulted in presentation as scientific papers.
Course Structure
The MMedSci in Assisted Reproduction Technology is taught on a full-time basis over one year.
The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, practicals, seminars / tutorials and a laboratory-based research project. In addition, there are other associated organised activities, such as clinical education meetings and the rotation of students through NURTURE as observers.
The overall degree is assessed by your performance in coursework (50%) and examinations (50%).
There are three examinations (one True/False answer paper, one short answer paper and one long essay paper) at the end of each semester, covering modules taught in that semester.
Coursework will also include experience in writing grant applications and applications to an Ethics Committee, oral presentations, journal clubs and a series of essays, as well as the research projects and maintenance of a practical log book
