Rapid advances in the development and application of reproductive technology,
led largely by staff at the Centre for Early Human Development at the Monash Institute
of Reproduction and Development, has resulted in a strong demand for specialised
scientific expertise in clinical embryology.
This course is designed to redress the shortage of appropriately trained clinical embryologists to provide services in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).
*Please note that this course is not a clinically based infertility treatment course but is a laboratory based course. There is no direct contact with patients or tuition in gynaecological/surgical procedures.
Course Directors
Professor Alan Trounson, Director, Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University. Dr Martin Pera, Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University.
Course Objectives
Aims:
The main aim of the Master of Clinical Embryology is to provide knowledge, understanding and skills to contribute competently to human infertility clinical services. The practical skills to be taught will be presented in the broader context of the
quality control procedures required for a clinical human IVF laboratory. The national and international regulations and legislation that control these activities will also be presented.
Objectives:
At the completion of the Master of Clinical Embryology, students will be able to:
- display a detailed theoretical knowledge and understanding of human gamete biology, embryology and development from a cellular, genetic and molecular perspective;
- critically assess new developments in human infertility, and the future implications of these advances;
- demonstrate competence in in vitro culture techniques and in the micro-manipulation techniques required for involvement in human assisted reproductive technologies (ART);
- carry out the quality assurance procedures that are essential for the reliable operation of an IVF clinic;
- show familiarity with the structure of operations in IVF clinics and be familiar with the regulations which control human genetic manipulation and clinical ART.
Course Structure
The Master of Clinical Embryology consists of four subjects in Semester I and four subjects in Semester II. Six of these subjects involve lectures accompanied by tutorials, seminars, journal reviews, discussions and site visits. The other
two subjects consist of practicals and statistical methods.
Subject List
Semester 1
MCE1100
Practical techniques and statistics in embryology I
MCE1101
Introduction to mammalian embryology
MCE1112
Embryo culture and cryopreservation o
MCE1103
Basic in vitro techniques for embryo production
Semester II
MCE1200
Practical techniques and statistics in embryology II
MCE1201
Fertilization and micromanipulation
MCE1212
Preimplantation and genetic diagnosis
MCE1213
Regulation and ethics in Assisted Reproductive Technology
Length of Course
This course is an intensive one year full-time course (36 teaching weeks), beginning in February and concluding in November. Student have only one week off in the middle of the course and some weekendwork is necessary.
Assessment
Assessment will be by journal review presentations, essays, examinations and by the demonstration of practical competence.
Venue
The course will be based at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash Medical Centre, with site visits to relevant institutes.
Cost
Contact course administrator (see below).
Requirements:
The Master of Clinical Embryology is available to both local and international candidates with degrees from approved tertiary institutions in the following areas: Medicine, Science (with Honours) and Veterinary Science. Candidates with a Pass degree must |
|