M.Sc. in Reproduction and Development
The Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology provides an innovative MSc programme
making extensive use of the Internet to provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation in the areas of Human Reproduction and Development. The course is designed to appeal to a wide range of post-graduate students including scientists and clinicians.
Residential workshops comprising of lectures and seminars as well as journal clubs, practical sessions and assessments will be held in Bristol. During the introductory module students will be assigned a project supervisor for their dissertation and a personal tutor for pastoral needs. Each distance-learning module will entail on-line tutorials and lectures plus essays and assessment by email and conferencing.
The programme consists of the following 7 units including a research project. It is delivered principally over the Internet with 10 weeks of study in Bristol over a period of one or two years.
Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
The structure and function of the organs of the male and of the female reproductive
system and the role of the endocrine system in the control and maintenance of reproduction
Gametogenesis to Implantation
The origin of gametes and gametogenesis in both the male and female
Normal Human Development
The principles of normal embryology together with an understanding of normal fetal growth and the factors that influences this.
Statistics & Research
Methods
The principles of basic statistics for study design and analysis and to critically
evaluate published research
Assisted Reproductive
Technologies
A comprehensive understanding of the basis of infertility assessment and management using assisted conception including familiarity with routine laboratory techniques.
Diagnosis and Management of Abnormal Human Development
Clinical and laboratory methods that allow diagnosis of fetal abnormalities, current
treatment options and likely future developments
Research project
Conduct a literature appraisal of an appropriate area of study and present this
in written form and orally with a mini poster.
Duration
Two years part time or one-year fulltime study including no more than 10 weeks
in Bristol.
Assessment
Each unit is assessed independently based on essay, computer assisted assessment,
coursework and examinations. A written thesis and satisfactory defence in oral
examination and mini-poster presentation will assess the research project.
