Master of Science by Coursework in Reproductive Genetics
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 Reproductive Genetics 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 Clinical Embryology is prohibited from registration on the MSc Reproductive Genetics.
5. Candidates must complete the following assessment:
(i) A synoptic examination after the end of Michaelmas Full term. Candidates must pass this examination to proceed with the remainder of the course.
(ii) Two synoptic examinations sat after the end of Hilary Full term.
(iii) A synoptic examination sat in early Trinity term.
(iv) A dissertation based on the research project as set out in the Schedule.
(v) A poster including a summary of their research project.
6. Each submission must be uploaded to the University approved online assessment platform by dates specified in the course handbook. The dissertation and poster on the research project must be submitted by the second Thursday in August.
7. In the event that a candidate has received a borderline grade for their research project dissertation and poster, a viva voce examination will be arranged. The viva voce examination will normally be conducted in September of the year in which the candidate is examined on dates to be determined by the examiners.
8. 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), resits will take place during Trinity term, or soon after.
- for assessments 5(iv) and 5(v), candidates will have the opportunity to revise their original submission and resubmit in January of the next academic cycle.
Exit award
9. Candidates who have failed the requirements 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) may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.
10. 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 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 cell biology and genetics
II: High-throughput sequencing and other molecular methods
III: Epigenetics and gamete formation
IV: Reproductive genomics and transcriptomics
V: Fertilisation and embryo development
VI: The genetics of infertility and pregnancy loss
VII: Reproductive risk assessments and diagnostic laboratory considerations
VIII: Prenatal diagnosis and screening
IX: Preimplantation genetic testing
X: Future developments in reproductive genetics
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 research project and the subject of the dissertation must have been approved by the Organising Committee. The supervision arrangements for each student must also be approved by the Organising Committee.
