Master of Clinical Embryology

Rapid advances in the development and application of reproductive technology, led largely by staff at the Centre of Reproduction and Development at the Monash Institute of Medical Research, 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 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 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 invitro 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.

Prerequisites

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 have equivalent professional experience in embryology or reproductive biology.

Course Structure

The Master of Clinical Embryology consists of four units in Semester 1 and four units in Semester 2. Six of these units involve lectures accompanied by tutorials, seminars, journal reviews, discussions and some include site visits. The other two units consist of practicals and statistical methods.

Subject List

Semester 1

MCE1100 Practical techniques and statistics in embryology 1
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 2
MCE1201 Fertilization and micromanipulation
MCE1212 Preimplantation 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 at the end of November. Students have only one week off in the middle of the course and weekend and evening work is necessary.

Assessment

Assessment is by journal review presentations, essays, examinations and by the demonstration of practical competence.

Venue

The course is based at the Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, with site visits to relevant institutes.

Cost

Contact Course Manager

Further Information

The Course Manager
Education Program in Reproduction and Development
C/-- Monash Institute of Medical Research
27--31 Wright Street
Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia
Tel. +61 3 95947360 Fax. +61 3 959473114
Email: eprd@med.monash.edu.au
Web Site: www.med.monash.edu.au/eprb/