GRS2002

Assisted reproductive & genetic technologies

(MED)

Professor Alan Trounson

6 points + 6 weeks (twelve 1-hour lectures, two 1.5-hour journal club + two 1-hour interactive sessions + two 2-hour practical sessions + site visit to Monash IVF + Clayton, MMC + Second semester

Synopsis: Technologies used for the treatment of human infertility and prenatal diagnosis of familial genetic disorders are studied. Techniques involved in the handling and maturation of human gametes are also covered. These include micromanipulation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), chromosome or genetic diagnosis (embryo biopsy for FISH, or polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA), cell and tissue cryobiology and transplantation. Assessment of embryo viability, especially regarding late preimplantation stages of development and laboratory quality assurance are also part of this subject.

Assessment: Open-book written examination (1.5 hours): 60% + Written report on quality assurance in IVF: 10% + Preparation of poster and oral poster presentation: 30%