Reproductive Medicine: Science and Ethics - MSc drafted

Program Overview

---

Overview

Our expertise in disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology and biomedical science allow us to exploit technology and develop ground-breaking ideas in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, protein science, biophysics and computational biology. Fields of enquiry encompass a range of molecular processes from cell division, transcription and translation through to molecular motors, molecular diagnostics and the production of biotherapeutics and bioenergy.

---

---

---

---

Reasons to study Reproductive Medicine: Science and Ethics at Kent

Research in the School of Biosciences focuses on biological processes at the molecular and cellular level and spans the disciplines of genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology and biomedical research.

Our curriculum has been designed by world-leading experts in the field of reproductive medicine, ensuring you receive the best possible teaching and supervision.

The course offers a progression route to PhD study for those wishing to pursue a career in academia. Transferable skills development supports access to careers in leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, medical research in academic, government, industrial and medical labs, teaching, industry and commerce, marketing and IT.

The School is among the best funded departments of its kind in the UK, and our well-equipped laboratories provide an excellent environment for both teaching and research.

Join our student-led bioscience society, BioSoc, which is affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Science and organises a seminar series, academic talks, trips and social events.

---

---

---

---

School of Biosciences

Within our School, we are proud of our collaborative approach. Our friendly and supportive atmosphere encourages everyone to contribute and reach their full potential. At Kent, academics, researchers and students are all part of the same close-knit scientific community. We welcome staff and students from all over the world and have a strong commitment to equality and diversity within everything we do. Together we create success.

Program Outline

Course structure

Duration:

One year full-time, two years part-time

The MSc in Reproductive Medicine involves studying for 125 credits of taught modules, as indicated below. The taught component takes place during the autumn and spring terms. You will undertake a period of advanced training in research, technical and transferable skills with application in the context of reproductive technologies, including an extended practical training in cutting-edge genome editing. This training will be harnessed with a range of modules specialising in advanced studies of reproductive medicine. A 60-credit research project take place over the summer months.

In addition to traditional scientific laboratory reports, experience is gained in a range of scientific writing styles relevant to future employment, such as literature reviews, patent applications, regulatory documents, and patient information suitable for a non-scientific readership.

---

Modules

The modules listed below are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

You take all compulsory modules and then chose one optional module from the list.

Compulsory modules currently include

---

BIOS8410 - The Science of Reproductive Medicine (30 credits)

The practice of reproductive medicine is underpinned by a scientific basis stretching back hundreds of years. New discoveries are being put into medical practice on a regular basis and reproductive medicine research is well known for its translational element. This module will explore the fundamentals of reproductive medicine, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Urology, Andrology, Managing abnormal pregnancies and pre-term birth, Infectious diseases affecting reproduction, Sex determination, reproductive endocrinology, cancer and fertility, causes of infertility and Genetics. This module will be science-based, informed and led by the scientific and medical literature and modern discoveries. Specifically:

• What is reproductive medicine? (Darren Griffin)

• Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urology (Michael Summers)

• The science of Andrology (Sheryl Homa)

• Managing abnormal pregnancy and premature birth (Vimal Vasu)

• Infectious disease and reproductive medicine (Gary Robinson)

• Sex determination (Peter Goodfellow)

• Endocrinology and Reproduction (Michael Sumners)

• Cancer and Reproduction (Bill Gullick/ Dan Lloyd)

• The causes of infertility (Darren Griffin)

• Infertility and Genetics (Darren Griffin)

• Genetics and Pregnancy (Darren Griffin)

---

BIOS8420 - The IVF World (15 credits)

Around 1-2% of all babies in the UK are born by IVF, with varying figures in many other countries. Internationally, reproductive medicine generally, and IVF in particular, is an area in which the UK is world-leading. This module will explore the many aspects of practical IVF (including ICSI, and PGD) and the factors that affect it. A feature of the module will be the presentation of similar issues from different perspectives e.g. that of the clinician, the counsellor and the laboratory manager.

A career as a scientist in reproductive medicine (e.g. clinical embryologist) is a popular path. Although the proposed module does not aim to address the specific goal of training prospective clinical embryologists in how to perform their operational tasks (such training is provided in-house in a highly regulated clinical environment and leads to a vocational qualification), this module will give students a realistic expectation of the likelihood of them excelling in, and enjoying this popular career path. This module will thus explore the basics of lab technique and good practice, pipette making, egg collection and in-vitro maturation, sperm assessment, insemination, ICSI, embryo grading, assisted hatching, spreading and preimplantation diagnosis. For obvious reasons embryos from non-human model species (e.g. mouse, bovine, pig) will be used. Specifically:

• Referral categories for IVF (Laurence Shaw)

• The IVF laboratory (Alan Thornhill)

• IVF and ICSI (Alan Thornhill)

• Preimplantation Diagnosis and Screening

• Careers in reproductive medicine (Darren Griffin, Alan Thornhill)

• Practical course (Darren Griffin, Alan Thornhill)

---

BIOS8590 - Practical Molecular Biology and Genome Editing (15 credits)

The module aims to develop understanding and practical skills in molecular biology, based around interactive workshops, practical sessions and group work. The module will involve practical sessions covering key practical and transferable skills in molecular biology and biotechnology. The module will feature an extended mini-project focused on CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing - a cutting-edge technology with wide application in the biological sciences – alongside presentation of findings in extended written report format to provide experience of the dissemination platform widely used in biological research.

"BIOS8600"

---

BIOS8650 - Research Skills in Reproductive Medicine (15 credits)

This module will develop the advanced research skills that are required in modern biological research and transferable across biological research disciplines. This will include the development of skills in bioinformatics, statistical analysis, research publication and peer review through a combination of online exercises, seminars and group work. These skills will be discussed, enhanced and contextualised in tutorials that consider their application of these skills through consideration of literature and case studies drawn from the field of reproductive medicine.

---

LAWS9420 - Reproductive Justice (20 credits)

The curriculum will focus on the issues of reproductive rights, reproductive justice and the appropriate limits on reproductive autonomy. Topics covered will include moral and legal status of the embryo and fetus and the 'right to life' as it applies in this context; the regulation of embryo research and assisted reproductive technologies; surrogacy; contraception, abortion, sterilisation and the legal regulation of pregnancy.

Optional modules may include

---

BIOS6003 - Science Communication and Public Engagement (15 credits)

Recent events have illustrated the importance of ensuring that science is communicated effectively to non-scientific audiences. This module considers best practice in science communication, making use of case studies that illustrate its importance in developing an informed and empowered public, while developing skills in different modes of communication that enhance future employability.

---

BIOS6270 - Haematology and Blood Transfusion (15 credits)

This module describes the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and therapy of the blood and blood forming tissues, including the bone marrow. It covers a wide range of disorders including haematological malignancies, infection with blood-borne parasites that cause malaria, and inappropriate clotting activities such as deep vein thrombosis.

Haematology:

An introduction to haematology: module outline, aims and objectives

Haemopoiesis and the bone marrow

The red cell: structure and function

Inherited abnormalities of red cells

Anaemias: acquired and inherited

White blood cells in health and disease

An introduction to haematological malignancies

Bleeding disorders and their laboratory investigation

Thrombophilia

Blood-borne parasites

Blood transfusion:

The ABO and Rhesus blood group systems

Other blood group systems

Blood banking techniques

---

BIOS6380 - Bioinformatics and Genomics (15 credits)

Bioinformatics Data sources & Sequence analysis: Databases and data availability. Using sequence data for analysis – sequence searching methods, multiple sequence alignments, residue conservation, Protein domains and families.

Protein Bioinformatics Methods: Protein structure and function prediction. Prediction of binding sites/interfaces with small ligands and with other proteins. Bioinformatics analyses using protein data.

Genomics: An introduction to the analysis of genomic data, primarily focussing on the data available from genome sequencing – how it can be used to study genetic variants and compare genomes (i.e. comparative and functional genomics).

---

BIOS6430 - Neuroscience (15 credits)

The module deals with basic neuroanatomy and molecular and cellular neurobiology, such as transmission of signals within the nervous system and sensory perception. It explores more complex functions of the nervous system, e.g. behavioural and cognitive functions including learning, memory, emotions and appetite control. Throughout the module both the normal nervous system and disorders that arise as a consequence of abnormalities will be covered.

---

BIOS6440 - Biology of Ageing (15 credits)

A synopsis of the curriculum

The module overviews the importance of studying ageing, the organisms and methods used to do so and considers how organisms age together with providing a detailed understanding of the processes and molecular mechanisms that govern ageing.

Introduction

Importance and principles of ageing research

Why do organisms age and theories of ageing: e.g. Damage theory, telomeres, genetics and trade off theories.

How ageing and lifespan is measured

Overview of processes and pathways controlling ageing

Methods in ageing research

Model Organisms: Benefits and problems associated with studying ageing in model organisms. Including: Yeast, worms, flies, mice, primates.

Systems approaches to studying ageing: e.g. high throughput D/R sequencing, high throughput proteomics and, metabolomics. Pros and cons of these methods, what we have learned from them.

Signalling pathways that control ageing

Insulin signalling pathway and Target of Rapamycin (ToR) pathway

Organisation of pathways and the molecules involved, how they were discovered to be implicated in lifespan and ageing, ways of modelling and studying their molecular detail in animals e.g. genetic/ epistasis analysis

The processes downstream of these pathways that allow them to control lifespan/ageing e.g. stress resistance, autophagy, reduced translation, enhanced immunity etc…

Cross-talk between pathways.

Dietary restriction, lifespan and ageing

How dietary restriction works in different organisms, what signalling pathways and processes it affects.

Diseases of ageing

What these are e.g. Alzheimer's, Huntington's

Overview of 'normal ageing’ associated processes e.g. muscle weakening.

How they can be studied in model organisms and the importance of ageing research for treating these disorders.

Ethics of ageing research

Pros and cons of studying ageing with a goal of extending human lifespan e.g. insurance, health system, social, psychological implications.

---

BIOS8380 - Genomic Stability and Cancer (15 credits)

This module introduces and develops knowledge in the key area of genome maintenance. Students will learn how loss of genomic integrity leads to enhanced cancer incidence, and how biological processes and the environment contribute to genetic instability. The cellular mechanisms that lead to cancer incidence, together with those that protect cells from the onset of carcinogenic processes will be reviewed. This module will also examine the use of D damaging agents in cancer therapies, and incorporate practical experience of investigating the cellular responses to D damage.

---

BIOS8700 - Molecular Cytogenetics and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (15 credits)

The aim of this module is to give students a basic understanding of molecular and cytogenetic techniques and their applications in the field of clinical diagnosis e.g. for infertility or prenatal diagnosis and biological research. Throughout the course there will be both theoretical and practical elements to the course enabling them to have hands-on experience with molecular cytogenetic tools. Students will be examined on both theoretical and practical elements to assess hands-on skills and understanding of the techniques involved. They will be provided with a lab book in which they should take notes during each of the sessions, the quality of this will also be assessed.

Compulsory modules currently include

---

BIOS8450 - MSc Project (60 credits)

Students will undertake an independent research project that will be designed by the student, in consultation with an academic supervisor, to address specific research questions. Students will be trained in key techniques relating to the project, and will work independently under the supervisor's guidance to design and execute experiments that will address the questions formulated earlier.

During the Spring term, students are assigned to supervisors by the project co-ordinators (members of academic staff, generally the co-ordinators of the individual MSc-T programmes). Students then meet with their project supervisor to discuss the general subject matter of the project and obtain guidance on background reading, following which the student and supervisor work together to design the project. Orientation sessions are provided covering laboratory health and safety and research ethics.

The research activities take place in the Summer term and vacation. Students are expected to dedicate 600 hours to their project work. Of this time, students taking "wet-lab" projects will spend at least 11 weeks working full time in a laboratory setting planning, carrying out and documenting experiments, with the remainder of the time allocated to background reading and report writing. There are informal opportunities to discuss the project work and relevant literature with the supervisor and other laboratory staff on an ongoing basis. Formal meetings may be arranged at the discretion of the student and supervisor.

Students undertaking "dry-lab" projects analyse published information (e.g. literature, databases) or unpublished data sets are expected to spend the same amount of time on their projects as "wet-lab" students. "Dry-lab" students are expected to meet with their supervisor at least once a week to discuss progress and ideas and to resolve problems.

At the end of the formal project time, students are allowed time to complete the final project report, although they are encouraged to start writing as early as possible during the Summer term. The supervisor provides feedback on content and style of a draft of the report, which should be in the style of a scientific report for publication in an appropriate scientific journal. In addition, students are expected to deliver their findings as a poster in a symposium organised by the School.

Find out more about BIOS8450

---

Teaching

---

Teaching and assessment

Assessment is by coursework and dissertation/project.

---

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

provide you with an academic framework to underpin a career in any area of reproductive medicine

enable you to understand the social and professional processes by which reproductive medicine operates at a scientific, medical, social, ethical and legal level

give you an understanding of the process of academic investigation in a range of academic disciplines relevant to reproductive medicine

provide a stimulating, research-active environment for teaching and learning in which you are supported and motivated to achieve your academic and personal potential

facilitate a valuable learning experience through a variety of teaching and assessment methods that will promote the assimilation, comprehension, analysis application, synthesis and evaluation of the knowledge base

give you the experience of undertaking an independent research project or dissertation

prepare you for further training and employment both in science and non-science based careers by developing transferable and cognitive skills

develop the qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable circumstances.

provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable.

---

Learning outcomes

---

Knowledge and understanding

You will gain knowledge and understanding of:

the scientific basis of reproductive medicine including aspects of developmental biology, infection, genetics, physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology

the medical basis of reproductive medicine including the clinical decision making process that affects patients

the workings of clinics and scientific laboratories that routinely practice reproductive medicine

the social, ethical and legal mechanisms that have influenced (and continue to influence) the acquisition of scientific knowledge in the field of reproductive medicine

the ethical context of the practice of reproductive medicine and scholarly debates surrounding it

mechanisms by which different professions in reproductive medicine deal with complex scientific information and disseminate this information to their patients and/or audiences

the social, political and economic impact of reproductive medicine

the processes though which research leads to knowledge and ultimately clinical practice.

---

Intellectual skills

You develop intellectual skills in:

the ability to investigate and collate information from the medical, scientific and social science literature, then analyse and synthesise it to address particular issues pertaining to reproductive medicine

the ability to understand the range and scope of teaching and assessment methods and study skills relevant to the various academic disciplines that encompass reproductive medicine

the ability to differentiate between points of view that lead to different lines of investigation and contribute to reproductive medicine

the ability to present reasoned medical, scientific, legal and ethical arguments based on reflection, study and critical judgement.

the ability to understand the needs for different modes of communication to different audiences including patients, clinicians, academics and the public

the ability to engage in effective and intelligent discussion with people of varied training and perspectives

an intellectual capacity and skill set that spans the disciplines of medicine, science and social sciences.

---

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in:

the critical faculties involved in searching and reviewing the scientific literature

an awareness of the various techniques and processes used in the production of scientific knowledge

basic practical competence in skills relevant to an IVF laboratory

an ability to source and deconstruct legal arguments

to find information on science communication from a wide range of information sources (eg journals, books, electronic databases) and maintain an effective information retrieval strategy

an understanding and application of scholarly methods and concepts used in the critical study of science, technology and medicine

an understanding of the role of the clinician in reproductive medicine and factors affecting the decision-making processes that lead to patient management.

---

Transferable skills

You will gain the following transferable skills:

the ability to reflect on, and manage your own learning and seek to make use of constructive feedback from your peers and staff to enhance your own performance and personal skills

independence of mind and initiative

self-discipline and self-motivation

the ability to work in a team and have respect for others’ reasoned views

communication: the ability to organise information clearly, create and respond to textual and visual sources (eg images, graphs, tables), present information orally, adapt your style for different audiences

numeracy: the ability to read graphs and tables, integrate numerical and non-numerical information, understand the limits and potentialities of medical, scientific, legal and ethical disciplines

information technology: the ability to evaluate critically and communicate effectively in a number of the following formats: written documents, email, databases, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, web sites, social networking media.

---

Careers

The MSc in Reproductive Medicine: Science and Ethics provides advanced research skills training within the context of diseases that affect significant proportions of the UK and global populations. With the UK being a world leader in infectious diseases research and pharmaceutical development, and Kent having a strong research focus in this area, there are significant opportunities for career progression for graduates of this programme in academia (PhD) and industry.

There are also opportunities for careers outside the laboratory in advocacy, media, public health and education.

To give you an idea of possible career destinations, recent graduates have gone on to the following roles: Manager at The London Women’s Clinics, (Trainee) Clinical Embryologist at BKI Healthcare and The Hope Valley Fertility Clinic, Health Researcher at an NHS Trust, Laboratory Technician at Wessex Fertility and onto PhDs at the University of Kent, University of Manchester and UCL.

---

Help finding a job

The School of Biosciences has a dedicated Placements and Employability Team and your academic supervisor will be able to advise you and give you access to professionals in their network.

The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

apply for jobs

write a good CV

perform well in interviews.

These services are available to you for three years after completing your course.