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Master of Science by Coursework in Clinical Embryology

1. The Divisional Board of Medical Sciences shall appoint for the supervision of the course an Organising Committee, which shall have the power to arrange lectures and other instruction.

2. The Organising Committee shall appoint for each candidate an academic adviser.

3. Each candidate shall follow a course of study in Clinical Embryology for at least three terms and for a substantial part of the three subsequent vacations, as determined by the course timetable.

4. Any candidate who has previously completed the MSc Reproductive Genetics is prohibited from registration on the MSc Clinical Embryology. 

5. Candidates must complete the following assessment:

(i) An examination at the end of Michaelmas Term. The examination shall assess the topics covered in modules I–V, as set out in the Schedule.  Candidates must pass this examination to proceed with the remainder of the course. 

(ii) A synoptic examination sat before the end of Hilary term. This examination shall assess the topics covered in modules I-IX, as set out in the Schedule.  

(iii) A synoptic examination sat before the end of Hilary term. This examination shall assess the topics covered in modules I-VIII, as set out in the Schedule. 

(iv) An examination near the beginning of Trinity Term. The examination shall assess the topics covered in modules VI-X, as set out in the Schedule.  

(v) A dissertation in a format of an academic journal article of not more than 8000 words based on the research project as set out in the Schedule. 

(vi)  An oral examination in September, consisting of a short presentation, and questions and answers on the research project.  

6. Each written submission must be uploaded to the University approved online assessment platform on dates as specified in the course handbook.  

7.The dissertation must be submitted by 12 noon on the date specified in the course handbook.  

8. Candidates must pass each assessment to pass the examination overall.  

9. Candidates who fail any assessment at the first attempt will be permitted to resit on one further occasion. Exact dates will be specified in the course handbook, with the expectation that:

- for assessment 5(i), the resit will take place before the start of Hilary term; 

- for assessments 5(ii – iii), the resits will take place during Trinity term; 

- for assessments 5 (iv – v), candidates will have the opportunity to revise their original submission and resubmit in Michaelmas term of the next academic cycle.

Exit award 

(i) Candidates who have failed the requirement of the MSc but have satisfied the requirements for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma (all the requirements for the MSc except completion of the dissertation and the oral examination) may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.  

(ii) Candidates who have satisfied the requirements for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma (all the requirements for the MSc, except completion of the dissertation and the oral examination) and who do not wish to continue their studies, may end their registration and at that point be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.

 

Schedule

(A) Modules

  • I Essential Cellular and Molecular Biology

  • II Laboratory Methods and Practical Skills

  • III The Mammalian Reproductive System

  • IV Fertilisation and Early Embryogenesis

  • V Embryonic Development and Pregnancy

  • VI Infertility

  • VII Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

  • VIII Assisted Conception: Skills and Techniques

  • IX Micromanipulation in ART

  • X Infertility and ART: Developments and Current Issues

(B) Research project

  • A research project under the supervision of a research supervisor. Students will undertake reading and research in relation to their research project during Trinity Term and the Long Vacation. The subject of each student’s dissertation and the supervision arrangements for each student must be approved by the Organising Committee.