MCE1112

Embryo culture and cryopreservation ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Peter Sjoblom & Dr Jill Shaw

Offered:
Clayton 1-32 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Examines the importance of the IVF laboratory and various in vitro systems used to generate viable embryos that will ensure optimal pregnancy rates for childless couples. Emphasis will be given to the guidelines for setting up a sterile IVF laboratory, cell and cell-free culture systems, embryo quality, scoring and selection, embryo metabolism, and the quality control procedures. Students also gain information about cryopreservation and transplantation skills and techniques. On completion of this unit students will possess a sound theoretical knowledge and understanding of the techniques required for generating good quality day 2 and day 5-6 embryos for transfer in human IVF.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will: 1. appreciate the importance of asepsis and quality control when setting up an IVF laboratory; 2. be familiar with the guidelines recommended for setting up a quality IVF laboratory that produces increased pregnancy rates; 3. have a knowledge of the various quality control tests that are used routinely in an IVF laboratory, such as mouse bioassays, sperm survival tests, etc.; 4. possess a sound theoretical knowledge about the preparation of simple and complex media for in vitro culture and co-culture systems; 5. have gained an understanding about the scoring and selection of good from bad quality embryos from the 2-cell stage of embryogenesis through to hatching blastocysts, based on morphological and metabolic characteristics; 6. possess a sound theoretical knowledge and understanding of the techniques of gamete and embryo cryopreservation as used in a clinical human in vitro fertilisation program; 7. have the skills to critically analyse research papers in cryopreservation related to human reproduction; 8. have the ability to communicate this knowledge.

Assessment: Written examination (2 hours): 50% + Presentation of journal review: 20% + Essay (2500 words): 30%

Contact Hours: 6 weeks (first 5 weeks - two 1-hour lectures, 1-hour tutorial, 1.5-hour seminar, 1.5-hour journal review), 2-hour revision tutorial in week 6