Masters Degrees (Fetal Medicine)

This MSc aims to provide medical and science students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of prenatal genetics and fetal medicine, specifically human genetics, human embryonic development and fetal medicine. There is a strong focus on the development of key skills and careers advice in the programme.

Degree information

Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the field of prenatal genetics and fetal medicine, specifically in the areas of basic genetics and technology, genetic mechanisms, medical genetics, organogenesis and fetal development, gametogenesis and IVF, prenatal diagnosis and screening, fetal and perinatal medicine, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and developing technology. They gain transferable skills including information technology, analysis of scientific papers, essay writing, seminar presentation, research techniques, peer review and laboratory skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma consisting of eight core modules (120 credits, full time nine months, flexible study two to five years) is offered. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Mandatory modules
-Basic Genetics and Technology
-Gametogenesis, Preimplantation Development and IVF
-Genetic Mechanisms
-Medical Genetics
-Organogenesis and Fetal Development
-Prenatal Diagnosis and Screening
-Fetal and Perinatal Medicine
-Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Developing Technology

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake a clinical, laboratory, audit or library-based research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations in laboratories, observation days in fetal medicine and IVF units, and student presentations. There are a number of peer-led learning activities. Assessment is through essays, patient case reports, critical reviews of papers, online problem booklet, examinations and the dissertation.

Careers

On completion of the programme, all students will have gained knowledge of both the clinical and laboratory aspects of prenatal genetics and fetal medicine. This will enable the science-orientated students to go on to pursue research degrees, careers in embryology or prenatal diagnosis, or other careers in the field or in general science. Medically-orientated students will be able to develop their careers in the field of fetal medicine.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Ob/Gyn Surgeon, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale
-Trainee Embryologist, Homerton University Hospital (NHS)
-PhD Medical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CI
-Clinical Research Nurse, University College London (UCL)
-Trainee Embryologist, Life Hospital

Employability
Throughout the MSc programme students learn key skills through peer-led activities, such as evaluating and presenting orally on patient cases and media coverage of scientific papers. Basic laboratory techniques are taught as are essay writing, the critical evaluation of papers, debates and ethical discussions. We also offer a comprehensive careers programme involving our alumni, covering job applications, CV writing, general careers in science and specific advice on careers in embryology, clinical genetics, medicine and research degrees.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Institute for Women’s Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.

The institute houses the UK's largest group of academics working in women's health and the UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration at its core provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies taught by world-class reseachers and clinicians.

Our diversity of expertise in maternal and fetal medicine, neonatology, reproductive health and women's cancer ensures a vibrant environment in which students develop subject-specific and generic transferable skills, supporting a broad range of future employment opportunities.

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This MSc aims to provide medical and science-based students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of reproductive science and women's health. There is a strong focus on development of key skills and careers advice in the programme.

Degree information

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical (including clinical) and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health, specifically in the areas of basic genetics, gametogenesis and IVF, female reproductive anatomy, physiology and pathology, pregnancy and childbirth, breast and reproductive cancers, prenatal diagnosis and screening, reproductive health, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and developing technology. They gain transferable skills including information technology, analysis of scientific papers, essay writing, seminar presentation, research techniques, peer review and laboratory skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma comprising eight core modules (120 credits, full-time nine months or flexible study two to five years) is offered. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Mandatory modules
-Basic Genetics and Technology
-Gametogenesis, Preimplantation Development and IVF
-Female Reproductive Physiology and Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
-Pregnancy and Childbirth
-Breast and Reproductive Cancers
-Prenatal Diagnosis and Screening
-Reproductive Health
-Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Developing Technology

Dissertation/research project
All MSc Students undertake a clinical, laboratory, audit or library-based research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations in laboratories, observation days in fetal medicine, reproductive medicine and IVF units, and student presentations. There are a number of peer-led learning activities. Assessment is through essays, patient case reports, critical reviews of papers, online problem booklet, examinations and the dissertation.

Careers

On completion of the programme, all students will have gained knowledge of both the clinical and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health. This will enable the science-orientated students to go on to pursue research degrees, careers in embryology, or other careers in the field or in general science. Medically-orientated students will be able to develop their careers in the field of reproductive science and women's health.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Fellow, NHS Harris Birthright Research Center for Fetal Medicine
-Trainee Embryologist, Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecological Centre
-University Teaching Assistant, King Saud University
-Medical Laboratory Assistant, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
-Senior House Officer (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), NHS Health Education South London / St Thomas' Hospital (NHS

Employability
Throughout the MSc programme students learn key skills through peer-led activities, such as evaluating and presenting orally on patient cases and media coverage of scientific papers. Basic laboratory techniques are taught as are essay writing, critical evaluation of papers, debates and ethical discussions. We also offer a comprehensive careers programme involving our alumni, covering job applications, CV writing, general careers in science and specific advice on careers in embryology, clinical genetics, medicine and research degrees.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Institute for Women's Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.

The institute houses the UK's largest group of academics working in women's health and the UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration at its core provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies taught by world-class researchers and clincians.

Our diversity of expertise in maternal and fetal medicine, neonatology, reproductive health and women's cancer ensures a vibrant environment in which students develop subject-specific and generic transferable skills, supporting a broad range of future employment opportunities.

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About the course

Lead academic 2016: Dr Mark Fenwick

The course provides training in reproductive and developmental medicine for scientists, clinicians and others, for instance ethical advisers or lawyers looking to specialise. It’s a good platform for a research career or a career in clinical laboratory training for IVF or embryology.

Through the taught modules you’ll develop a solid understanding of reproductive science relevant to clinical applications. We cover the breadth of processes from gonadal development and production of gametes through to pregnancy and parturition. Each module is taught by leading scientists and clinicians in that field.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the ethical issues and international laws regulating reproductive medicine. Finally, you’ll undertake a research project to develop a depth of knowledge in a specialist topic.

Our study environment

You’ll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. We also have close links with the University’s other health-related departments.

Our research funding comes from many sources including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, and prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YCR, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You’ll also benefit from our collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

How we teach

Classes are kept small (15–20 students) to make sure you get the best possible experience in laboratories and in clinical settings.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you’ll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you’ll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Core modules

Research Skills in Reproductive Medicine; Gonads to Gametes: fundamentals of reproduction; Fertilisation, Implantation and Embryology; Fetal Development, Pregnancy and Parturition; Reproductive Technology and Infertility; Law, Ethics and Policy in Reproductive Medicine.

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This programme offers a fascinating range of subjects, including molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, tissue engineering, clinical medicine, laboratory management and statistics.

It is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and is based at one of the largest transfusion centres in the world, enabling visits to manufacturing, testing and tissue typing sections. You will learn from specialist lecturers based at the University, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), and NHS hospitals, and have an opportunity to become fully embedded in an NHS environment while you develop your knowledge.

The programme will give you extensive practical experience of transfusion and transplantation, allowing you to gain skills that directly relate to your future career. As well as being academically interesting, this continually developing area of healthcare science has a major impact on patients' quality of life.

The programme:
-Is one of just two specialist full-time courses in transfusion and transplantation, and is a recommended course at level seven in the Career Framework for Health.
-Gives you the opportunity to carry out your MSc project with NHSBT research staff within the transfusion centre.
-Has high contact hours, with teaching each day and practical classes.
-Includes a large skills component (eg writing in different formats, conference and publication skills, assignments with specific study aims).
-Includes laboratory management, a key skill required at level seven.
-Attracts a diverse range of students (about 50 per cent overseas students), including new graduates, those working in blood centres or blood transfusion/haematology in hospitals, or training to lecture in transfusion.

Programme structure

The programme comprises eight taught units that run from September to March and a research project that begins in May and runs until August. Example project topics have included:
-A study on red cell antibody formation in trauma patients
-Optimisation of platelet antigen detection using recombinant proteins
-Expression of red cell membrane proteins during large-scale red cell culture
-A comparison of stem cell mobilisation drugs for stem cell transplantation

Taught units
-Transfusion and Transplantation Science:
-Pathology of Transfusion and Transplantation Science
-Provision of Blood, Cells, Tissues and Organs
-Clinical Transfusion and Transplantation
-Transfusion and Transplantation in Practice (two units)
-Biostatistics
-Research and Laboratory Management

Assessments are designed to teach skills such as comprehension, scientific writing in different formats and conference skills, and to further knowledge in subject areas not covered in the lectures. Students must pass the taught component to be able to progress to the project.

Part-time students complete the Postgraduate Certificate components in their first year and the Postgraduate Diploma in the second. The project is usually taken during year three to complete the MSc.

Careers

Some of the career paths that graduates have followed include: blood transfusion and fetal medicine research, working for a bone marrow donor laboratory or bone marrow registry, biostatistics, graduate entry to medical school, NHS Clinical Scientist Training programme, and progression to PhD study in several areas including cancer biology and stem cell regeneration.

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Our flexible Medical Ultrasound course is designed for healthcare professionals undertaking obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound training.

Who is it for?

This course is suitable for a range of health care professionals who have experience in radiography, nursing, midwifery or other related professions. The course enables students to achieve the academic qualifications and clinical skills needed to pursue a career in ultrasound or to develop current skills further.

Students need a clinical placement in a recognised department, to engage in a wide range of ultrasound examinations for the duration of the course.

Objectives

City’s Medical Ultrasound course offers flexible study options for healthcare professionals undertaking obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound training and for those wishing to develop their skills further using work based learning options.

Our expert staff provide a supportive environment, encouraging students to develop their academic abilities and clinical skills in preparation for working as a sonographer. Students learn a range of subjects to enable them to explore the underpinning knowledge of safe, effective and evidence-based ultrasound practice, with which to help them develop clinical skills in their own department. Teaching is also supported by specialist guest speakers who provide current, relevant course material.

Students can achieve competency to practice if they successfully complete both academic and clinical components of the programme to PgC level or above.

Placements

A clinical placement is required in a recognised ultrasound department, to provide a wide range of clinical experience and supervision. Students should have their own clinical placement arranged prior to application, with supervised training arranged for an average of three days per week.

The placement needs to provide support for a wide range of clinical examinations. In addition to hands-on clinical experience you need a named clinical supervisor/assessor to provide support during the course. The supervisor must attend supervisor training and provide regular updates on your clinical progress to the clinical co-ordinator.

Academic facilities

The ultrasound clinical skills suite is equipped with a real-time ultrasound machine and simulators. The facilities are used for tutorials, self-directed study and formative monitoring of clinical skills.

Students have access to the MedaPhor simulator during the working week and remote cloud based access to tutorials and resources.

Using a flipped classroom approach to teaching and learning ensure that a range of online lectures are available for learning and revision.

Teaching and learning

A blended learning approach is used: linking academic theory to clinical practice via work-based learning; formal key note lectures; seminars; film viewing tutorials; demonstrations/workshops; e-learning; shared learning; self-directed study and online case discussions. Participation in the learning is an essential component of the course.

The programme team consists of academic staff, many of whom are still practicing clinically. Guest lecturers are invited to share expert knowledge on a range of topics, such as fetal cardiology, fetal medicine and contrast ultrasound.

The department’s academic staff are highly regarded across the institution, with our current programme director, Gill Harrison, winning the institution's prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Activities include online lectures and quizzes, lectures, tutorials, workshops and skills suite activities, group activities and group work, games and online case discussions.

A variety of assessment methods are used to cater for a range of learning styles and provide a link between theory and practice. Assessment methods include objective structured examinations, online case discussions, oral and/or poster presentations, written assignments, clinical portfolio and clinical competency assessments.

Modules

As a student on the Medical Ultrasound course you will learn the underpinning theory of ultrasound production, safe and effective practice, normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and associated imaging pathways.

You will be able to select from a number of clinical options including obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound. Additional clinical areas can be studied via work-based learning modules, if appropriate clinical support is available within the students' clinical department. The course is also designed to develop transferable skills to support clinical practice development.

Modules will take place over one or two days per week, depending on the selected module options. The time in lectures varies, dependent on the nature of the module.

Core modules - core modules and specific named clinical modules have a blended learning approach, with online lectures, online quizzes and discussions supported by lectures, tutorials and workshops. The average contact time per module is approximately 30 to 35 hours.
-Fundamental Principles of Ultrasound Practice (15 credits)
-Developing Advanced Practice (15 credits)

Students progressing to MSc must undertake:
-Foundations in Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis module (15 credits)
-Dissertation module (60 credits)

Elective modules - students can then select a range of clinical modules such as:
-Obstetric Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Gynaecology Ultrasound (15 credits)
-Abdominal Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Work Based Learning in Practice (includes clinical areas such as early pregnancy, small parts, DVT scanning) (15 credits)

You must gain 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate and 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma. The most common route is for students to take the two core modules and 45 credits of clinical modules in year 1. For example:
-Fundamental Principles of Ultrasound Practice (15 credits)
-Developing Advanced Practice (15 credits)
-Obstetric Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Gynaecology Ultrasound (15 credits)

Modules are spread throughout one to three terms in year 1.

In year two many students undertake the remaining 45 credits in term 1 (September to December), with a view to completing the PgDip in 18 months. Modules are often:
-Abdominal Ultrasound (30 credits)
-Work Based Learning in Practice 2 (includes clinical areas such as early pregnancy, small parts, DVT scanning
OR
-Foundations in Research Methods and Applied Data Analysis module

Students progressing to MSc the begin the dissertation module.

Some students take a short break of 6 months between completing the PgDip and starting the MSc. The maximum registration period is 5 years.

Career prospects

On completion of a postgraduate certificate or diploma you can apply for jobs as an autonomous practitioner, working in the NHS or private practice. Many of our graduates have become advanced practitioners, developing additional skills during their career, whilst others have travelled to overseas to enhance their careers.

MSc graduates have also become managers of ultrasound departments, leading service change and developing services to improve patient care. A number of graduates have developed their role in specialist areas, where they undertake research and training and engage in dissemination of their work at national and international conferences and in peer review publications. Some of our graduates return to provide keynote lectures to future generations of ultrasound students or even take on the role of Programme Director running ultrasound programmes.

You can also become an independent practitioner, setting up your own company, providing services to local populations or travel the world and experience different ways of working. Most sonographers are employed at band seven in the NHS.

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The MRes in Reproduction and Pregnancy (formerly the MRes in Maternal and Fetal Health) is a 12-month master's course providing first class training in reproductive and pregnancy research.

It is a unique course designed to train those who wish to pursue a research career in reproductive medicine or pregnancy or to work in associated areas in health or science. Students do not need any prior research experience before undertaking this course.

You will undertake two interrelated research projects on a specific topic in reproduction and pregnancy, alongside taught units providing up to date knowledge of reproduction and pregnancy and training in research skills.

The MRes in Reproduction and Pregnancy will provide you with:
-The opportunity to conduct medical research at the clinical scientific interface
-Experience of running your own research project in a specific area of reproductive or pregnancy research
-Hands-on experience of cutting-edge technologies applicable to reproduction and pregnancy, and transferable to other areas of medical research
-An understanding of the latest state of knowledge in reproductive medicine and pregnancy
-Training and experience in scientific writing and developing a research proposal
-Grounding in a wide range of reproductive medicine and pregnancy related issues by attending seminars in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre
-An opportunity to participate in high quality research at an early career stage and to contribute to public domain research output

On successful completion of this course you will gain:
-A master's degree. The majority of our students have achieved a Distinction (58%) or Merit (35%) degree;
-In depth knowledge of clinically relevant reproduction and pregnancy research from bench to bedside;
-Advanced research skills and experience of running your own research project;
-Understanding of the ethical issues and social implications of research in reproduction and pregnancy;
-A strong CV for future research or medical career;
-Public domain output. The majority of students gain public domain output during or after their MRes, including: conference presentations (national and international conferences); published abstracts; published papers (first or co-authored papers); awards e.g. RCOG oral presentation and essay prizes, travel grants.

Special features

The MRes is based in the Manchester Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre (MFHRC), the largest pregnancy research group in Europe and the Tommy's Stillbirth Research Centre. We have strong links with the Reproductive Medicine Department at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester.

We aim to find solutions to reproduction and pregnancy problems through a holistic approach to understanding, managing and treating diseases affecting mothers and babies, and through training the next generation of researchers in an interdisciplinary research environment. We conduct translational medicine research 'from bench to bedside', which is related to all aspects of pregnancy, from embryo implantation, through to pregnancy pathologies and developmental programming in the offspring.

The MFHRC has internationally renowned researchers in IVF/early pregnancy, placental biology, pregnancy complications and stillbirth. Our clinical academic researchers have developed world leading research antenatal clinics for high risk pregnancies. Integration of the research clinics and the research laboratories provides rich opportunity for translation from clinic to laboratory and application of research findings to the clinic.

Students will be based in the MFHRC and will be an active part of the research centre. We place a major emphasis on training the next generation of researchers and have approximately 40 trainee researchers (both basic science and clinical researchers) undertaking research as part of their degrees or training (from undergraduate, through the PhD and postdoctoral research).

Career opportunities

Our MRes graduates have continued their scientific or medical careers in the following areas.
-PhD research - 70% of home science graduates and 40% of our international graduates go on to conduct further research.
-Clinical training through the O&G and Academic pathways (Academic Foundation and Academic Clinical Fellows (ACF)).
-Other clinical/science professions , e.g. MBChB, midwifery, journal publishing, biotechnology, NHS STP and HIV Clinical Mentor.

Many of our students have stayed in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre to undertake further research training.

We keep in contact with our MRes alumni and invite all past students to our annual welcome event for the new intake each October.

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Masters in Genetic Counselling

What is a Genetic Counsellor?

Genetic counsellors are health care professionals with specialized graduate training in the areas of medical genetics and counselling. Genetic counsellors usually work as members of a healthcare team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Genetic counsellors work in a wide variety of settings, these include: general genetics, prenatal care and family planning, pediatrics, oncology, cardiology, neurology, laboratories, research, education, public health settings, and corporate environments. (NSGC website, accessed Oct 7, 2012).

GENERAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Department of Medical Genetics, through Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) at the University of British Columbia, offers a unique two year graduate program leading to an MSc degree in Genetic Counselling. The program has full accreditation status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Students, upon graduating, will be eligible to apply for “Active Candidate” status for both the ABGC and the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) certification exams.

Six students are accepted into the Program each year to begin their studies in September. Genetic counsellors, geneticists, other healthcare professionals and UBC faculty members instruct and supervise students during their course of study.

The program balances strong academic grounding, direct clinical experiences and independent research to prepare graduates for the dynamic field of genetic counselling.

Academic coursework provides a comprehensive overview of:
- Molecular genetics and genomics
- Clinical genetics
- Counselling techniques and psychology
- Bioethics

Clinical experiences cover a broad range of specialties, preparing graduates for the expanding professional role. These include both private and public settings in the areas of:
- Prenatal genetics
- Pediatric and adult genetics
- Reproductive medicine
- Cancer
- Psychiatric genetics
- Focused practical rotations in embryofetopathology, fetal ultrasound and prenatal procedures, prenatal biochemistry laboratory, molecular biochemical and cytogenetic laboratories.

Interprofessional health education prepares graduates for a patient centred, team-based approach to healthcare delivery. Collaborating with the College of Health Disciplines, unique experiences include:
- Health Mentorship Program
- The Interprofessional Education (IPE) Passport
- Rounds and educational seminars held by the Department of Medical Genetics, Hereditary Cancer Program, Child and Family
Research Institute, BC Clinical Genomics Network and other departments within the hospital and university network.

While this is not a thesis program, all graduates complete an independent research project. The program provides mentorship, research skills development and encouragement towards contributing to the published literature in genetic counselling outcomes.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Genetic Counselling
- Subject: Health and Medicine
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework only
- Faculty: Faculty of Medicine

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Research profile

This one-year, full-time MSc by Research programme aims to introduce students to modern up-to-date molecular and cellular biological research in the field of reproductive sciences, reproductive health and reproductive medicine in a stimulating, challenging and vibrant research atmosphere, at the interface between basic science and clinical patient care.

The programme is intended for high-calibre students with biological science, medical or veterinary backgrounds.

It is advised that you contact the Programme Director, Dr Simon Riley, prior to making your application to ensure this programme meets your academic aims. Email: [email protected]

The main components of the programme are two 20-week research projects, performed on a very wide range of research fields within the reproductive sciences.

Topics that can be offered include using a wide range of models and in human, studying a number of important problems associated with human reproductive health and disease in testis, ovary, the uterus during the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy and labour, in the fetus and neonate, and in fetal programming resulting in increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood.

The MRC Centre for Reproductive Health has arranged its research under four themes:

Reproductive Resilience, Proliferation, Differentiation, Repair
Reproductive system cancers: aetiology, pathogenesis and therapy
Optimising Lifelong Health Through Pregnancy and Perinatal Interventions
Immune-endocrine interactions in reproductive health

These theme titles illustrate some of the remarkable properties that make reproductive systems such relevant and powerful models for translational studies across a wide spectrum of human diseases and pathologies in other systems.

The MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH) has close links with other internationally recognised research centres in the Queen’s Medical Research Institute QMRI and elsewhere in Edinburgh, with the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the Veterinary School, the University of Edinburgh science campus and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

Many student projects are organised with and between these centres, reflecting the interdisciplinary research environment, where students and trainees are regarded as the ‘lifeblood’ for the future.

Programme structure

The programme provides a core grounding in basic science and interlinked medical aspects of reproductive sciences. It is delivered by undertaking a two-week basic core laboratory skills training course, followed by gaining practical experience by performing two 20 week laboratory-based research projects. Examples of research projects completed in 2016-2017 can be found here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/centre-reproductive-health/students/msc-research-reproductive-sciences

These research projects provide you with hands-on laboratory experience and training in a wide range of up-to-date techniques in molecular and cellular biology. Students also gain a wide range of generic professional and scientific skills such as developing effective communication skills, and scientific writing through project reports and a grant application.

Alongside the project work there is a series of lecture modules and seminars delivered by internationally-recognised experts in the field, together with both staff and student-led small group tutorials.

Career opportunities

This programme is the ideal route for those wishing to embark on a PhD, or in a technical laboratory role, in the field of Reproductive Health, spanning the biosciences, clinical and veterinary fields.

The broad range of skills gained is also readily transferable into careers at the clinical-laboratory interface and in the broader biosciences industry opportunities.

This programme does not amount to specific training to become a clinical embryologist.

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Overview

This pioneering course aims to maximise the employability of students. Our track record shows 90% of graduates secure ste cell technology-related posts including PhDs, positions in industry and government-funded agencies (e.g. stem cell banks).

The course content has been designed in consultation with stem cell experts and potential employers in biotechnology, academia, industry and bodies regulating stem cells, to provide the necessary expertise to compete in an ever changing world.

Highlights

- Students learn a broad range of transferable skills including critical analysis, data handling, and oral and written skills.
- Teaching is by leading research scientists who are working at the cutting edge of new developments, ensuring the most recent research is integrated into the course.
- Teaching also incorporates guest speakers recognised as international experts in the stem cell technology field, including clinicians who want to use stem cells in regenerative medicine.

Modules

The course incorporates the following modules:

- Cell, Developmental and Molecular Biology
- Module 2: Embryonic Stem Cells
- Module 3: Adult and Fetal Stem Cells
- Module 4: Translational Technologies for Stem Cells
- Module 5: Research Skills & Stem Cell Technology Exploitation
- Module 6: Regenerative Medicine Research Project

Approximately 40% of the taught modules encompass direct laboratory training. This high level of practical work means we take a maximum of 16 students. This ensures we have good tutor/student ratios and specialist equipment is widely accessible.

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Programme description

In this program you will:
- Learn anatomy through dissection
- Gain knowledge and experience of anatomical teaching
- Take additional modules on neuroanatomy, embryology, anatomy law and ethics and medical imaging.
- Contribute to world leading anatomical and/or biomedical research

Our programme aims to improve your theoretical and practical knowledge of human anatomy through an intensive on-campus dissection course, as well as the development and learning of theoretical and practical aspects of teaching anatomy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

This programme has two main strands. One is the in-depth study of the anatomy of the human body. Anatomical knowledge will be learned to a level to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students and professions allied to medicine. This strand will involve the dissection of a body in groups of three to five students over two semesters. This part of the course is largely self-directed, with regular “surgeries” when teaching staff are present to answer questions and help students with the dissections.

The other is anatomy pedagogy, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching anatomy to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Next to theoretical lectures and workshops the first semester will focus on observing the teaching of anatomy to medical undergraduate students. The second semester will focus on being involved in preparing and carrying out teaching sessions to both small and large groups of students. The learned theoretical material, the observations and practical experiences will be compiled in an end-of year teaching portfolio. The experience that you will gain can be used towards an application as associate fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Complementing these strands will be a lecture-based embryology course providing you with an understanding of normal human development and how normal development can go wrong, manifested in commonly observed congenital abnormalities. You will also study neuroanatomy, the health and safety of embalming procedures and handling bodies, the legal and historical aspects of anatomy in Scotland and the UK, an introduction to the ethics of using bodies in medical education and explore clinical techniques used to image the body.

Programme structure

The programme is made up of six courses plus a summer dissertation project. The courses "Teaching Anatomy" and "Basic Human Anatomy 1 & 2" make up the majority of the degree with 40 credits each. The other courses are 10 credit courses that are spread out over two semesters as follows (10 credits equal 100 hours of work):

Semester one:

- Basic Human Anatomy 1: Gross anatomy of the Limbs and Thorax (20 credits)
- Anatomy Law and Ethics: Divided into 3 parts: Health & Safety of anatomy and body handling, the legislation that governs the activities of anatomy departments both in Scotland and throughout the UK, and the ethics of using human material for the teaching of anatomy (10 credits)

Semester two:

- Basic Human Anatomy 2: Gross anatomy of the Abdomen, Pelvis, Head & Neck (20 credits)
- Neuroanatomy: Gross Anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensory and motor pathways, cranial nerves, spinal cord, spinal nerves and autonomic nervous system (10 credits)

Semesters one and two:

- Teaching Anatomy: Theoretical and practical aspects of teaching anatomy to undergraduate and postgraduate students (40 credits).
- Embryology: From ovulation of the egg to fetal development of all body systems (10 credits)
- Medical Imaging and Anatomy: explore anatomy using images produced by clinical tools such as X-ray, CT and MRI. (10 credits)

Summer period:

- Dissertation Project: 10,000 word dissertation and oral presentation (60 credits)

Teaching is by lectures, seminars and tutorials. Courses are assessed by either, or a combination of, oral examinations, essays, multiple choice question exams, extended matching question exams, presentations and practical anatomy exams.

You have the option to finish after the second semester graduating with a Diploma in Human Anatomy, or to gain your masters by completing a summer dissertation project that can be either library-, practical- or laboratory-based.

More information on anatomy at the University can be found on our website: http://www.ed.ac.uk/biomedical-sciences/anatomy

Career opportunities

This programme has been designed to help you gain a highly regarded qualification in anatomy and the teaching of anatomy. It will provide you with a set of major transferable skills such as dissecting experience, teaching experience, expertise in health and safety and anatomy law and ethics.

This programme can therefore open up possibilities in for example anatomy teaching, anatomy laboratories, further studies in medical and biomedical sciences, further research leading to a PhD, and many more increasing your long-term career prospects.

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Program Overview

The goal of the graduate program in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences is to provide students with a broad knowledge of mammalian reproductive and developmental biology, as well as with in-depth expertise in at least one area of research, including reproductive and molecular endocrinology, immunology of reproduction, fertilization and early embryonic development, perinatal metabolism, and fetal neonatal physiology. M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs of study are offered. Both programs involve coursework and completion of a thesis/dissertation based on research carried out by the student.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Reproductive and Developmental Sciences
- Subject: Health and Medicine
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Medicine

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The Graduate School of Heath Sciences of Koç University offers a 2-year MSc program in reproductive biology and a 4-year PhD program in reproductive medicine, both of which aim to provide modern up-to-date biological research in the field of reproductive sciences at molecular and cellular levels in an inspiring, challenging and vibrant research atmosphere, at the interface between basic science and clinical patient care.

A thorough understanding of reproductive functioning in both sexes at molecular level using a wide range of experimental models, and studying at translational level a number of important problems associated with human reproductive health and disease in testis, ovary, the uterus during the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy and labour, in the fetus and neonate, and in fetal programming resulting in increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood are the major goals of the programmes.

As a result of rapid advances in life science technology and medicine at molecular level, reproductive sciences have evolved into four different disciplines as Reproductive biology, Reproductive endocrinology (Embryology and assisted reproduction technologies), Reproductive immunology and Reproductive genetics. Both MSc and PhD students will undertake some core teaching and conduct research projects, performed on this very wide range of research fields within the reproductive sciences.

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