COURSE OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this course is to provide an avenue for both scientists and clinicians to enter the field of reproductive biology; and for those already familiar with this area, an opportunity to gain greater appreciation of the biological processes of mammalian reproduction that are relevant to the manipulation of fertility and the treatment of reproductive disease. Its aim is to furnish graduates with the formal theoretical and practical training necessary within this highly specialised discipline.
The course is designed to broaden the clinician's knowledge of the underlying scientific principles and to enhance the scientist's appreciation of the clinical management of infertility. In this respect, it aims to encourage independent thought and a research orientated approach to the practice of assisted conception. Clearly, a major objective of this course is that it will provide successful candidates with the ability to establish an independent unit of assisted conception that incorporates the latest micromanipulation techniques and preimplantation diagnosis.
COURSE SYNOPSIS
The course comprises lectures, practicals, seminars/tutorials and a laboratory based research project. In addition, there are other associated organised activities such as a journal club, clinical education meetings and the rotation of the students through NURTURE as observers. The content of the lecture and practical programme deliberately integrates 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, therefore, concentrates on the manipulation of mammalian gametes and embryos. Thus it must be clearly understood by all applicants, especially those from a predominantly clinical background:-
THIS IS A LABORATORY BASED, SCIENCE DEGREE COURSE AND NOT A CLINICALLY BASED INFERTILITY TREATMENT COURSE.
THERE IS NO DIRECT CONTACT WITH PATIENTS OR TUITION IN GYNAECOLOGICAL/SURGICAL PROCEDURES.
LECTURES and PRACTICAL COURSE
The core of the lecture course is given by members of the School of Human Development and other Units within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. There is also a substantial input from the Department of Animal Physiology and Environmental Science, based at the Sutton Bonington campus.
The Practical classes take place in the Course's dedicated laboratory in the School of Human Development and are timetabled in conjunction with the theoretical taught elements of the Course.
The Course also includes guest lectures from a number of eminent visitors of international repute.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Approximately one third of the total course duration is dedicated to the student's involvement with the construction, preparation and investigation of a laboratory based research project. This is written up in thesis presentation form. Student projects are completed 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 the School also encourages students to devise their own. Previous projects have resulted in presentation as scientific papers.
COURSE ASSESSMENT
The overall degree is assessed by the student's performance in course-work (53%) and written and oral examinations (47%). 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.
Course work will also include experience in writing 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.
COURSE FEES
The fees for such a highly specialised course are based on a clinical postgraduate taught course and are as follows:-
Overseas students - ?14,682.00 (under review)
(inclusive of a ?1,000.00 place deposit)
E.U./U.K. students - ?7,074.00 (under review)
(inclusive of a ?1,000.00 place deposit)
Those candidates of overseas origin who have worked and resided in the U.K. for a minimum of 3 years prior to the commencement of the course may be eligible for the E.U./U.K. rate.
At present, the School has no sponsorship or grant funding available for students on this course.
ACCOMMODATION and Other Information
The University Accommodation Office makes every effort to accommodate single M.Med.Sci students in shared, postgraduate flats close by the University campus. The office will also be pleased to suggest agencies for private letting for students who need married or family accommodation.
It is estimated that an overseas student without dependant relatives will require about ?8,000.00 for accommodation, maintenance and other expenses while in the U.K. in addition to University fees.
Overseas students are encouraged to contact the University International Office for advice and assistance.
Overseas candidates, for whom English is not their first language may benefit from the range of courses offered by the University of Nottingham Centre for English Language Education.
Requirements:
1.Candidates must normally be graduates of an approved university, or other institution of higher education in medicine, nursing or the biological sciences. Normally the minimum requirement for entry is a 2(i) degree or equivalent, although candidates wit |
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