Fundamental Science in ART module (GM51053)

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is the treatment of infertility. It does this by manipulating egg, sperm, and embryos.

Fundamental science in ART is the basic scientific knowledge behind fertility treatments. For example, it tries to understand how eggs, sperm, and embryos develop and interact in the lab.

This module gives you the knowledge you need to work in reproductive medicine. You'll learn the fundamental science concepts in reproductive biology. This helps you explore the anatomy, physiology and endocrinology of human reproductive systems.

The science you learn here gives you the building blocks you need to explore advanced topics in later modules. You'll explore real-life situations, where you observe patients undergoing their infertility care.

A series of distinguished speakers will examine different scientific aspects related to ART.

What you will learn

In this module you will learn about:

• reproductive biology, histology and anatomy
• reproductive medicine
• endocrinology (the study of the system that produces hormones to regulate body functions)
• human genetics
• stem cells
• pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and screening
• key terminology, including:
  • medically assisted reproduction (MAR)
  • intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  • in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
• understanding and evaluating scientific literature

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• show an understanding of the basic science of human reproductive biology
• discuss sperm, oocytes, gametes, and stem cells
• explain endocrinology and genetics
• perform literature reviews on scientific aspects of reproductive medicine
• apply critical analysis to the scientific data
• discuss the ideas of others in the field
• collect scientific evidence from other resources.

Assignments / assessment

• scientific essay (50%)
• short answer question exam (50%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• face-to-face lectures
• problem-based learning
• tutorials
• discussion groups
• self-directed study