Course unit details
This is a Master of Science (MSc) that also has a strong research component. You will undertake two interrelated research projects, supported by taught units providing detailed knowledge of reproduction and pregnancy and training in research skills.
Research Units:
Research Project 1
You will select your research project and supervisory team in the first three weeks of the course. Between October and January, you'll complete an in-depth literature review on your research topic, followed by a research proposal based on a six-month project.
Research Project 2
From February to August, you will undertake a six-month research project focused on a specific aspect of reproduction or pregnancy. All projects are co-supervised, often by a clinical and non-clinical supervisor. Thorough training and supervision is given for all laboratory and clinical methodologies.
Projects are all based on translational medical research, with a goal of solving clinical problems in reproduction and pregnancy. They range from understanding the basic science of fertility and pregnancy problems, through to the clinical research projects involving patient interaction and sample analysis.
You will write a dissertation at the end of the research project and give a poster presentation based on your findings.
Taught Units
Research Methods Unit
A series of lectures and training workshops that provide an introduction to research and transferable skills such as experimental design and statistical assessment, IT skills, critical analysis of research papers, health and safety, scientific writing and communication and career development.
Laboratory Skills Unit
Training in a range of basic laboratory techniques applicable to medical research. Workshops include cell culture, histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology. Training in recording laboratory methods and analysis of results is provided.
Masterclass in Reproduction and Pregnancy
A series of three masterclasses that provide understanding of translational reproductive and obstetrics research and insight into bench to bedside research processes. These include lectures and discussion groups on:
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Assisted reproductive technologies
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Development of new drugs for pregnancy complications (from bench to bedside)
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Our pioneering research antenatal clinics for high risk pregnancies.
Tutorial Course Unit
You will have an opportunity to learn about and discuss research in reproduction and pregnancy and the clinical problems and basic science areas that are central to the discipline. Tutorials use a range of teaching styles, including taught seminars, debates and critiques of research papers. Assessment will be via group oral presentations, leaflets, quizzes or written reports.
Clinical Masterclass Unit (you will take this as a formative unit)
This unit provides training in clinical research, including clinical research design, advanced GCP, research governance and the regulatory framework for research, practical clinical ethics, and patient and public engagement and involvement in research. There is also a training session on the academic career development and pathways for intercalating medical students and qualified clinicians.
