Leader: Dr Adam Hart & Dr Andrew Laslett

Offered

Clayton First semester (extended) 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with the basic embryological knowledge that is essential for working in a clinical human IVF laboratory. Theoretical information about fertilisation, implantation, early embryo development to gastrulation, and differentiation, from a cellular, genetic and molecular perspective, will be presented and discussed in lectures, tutorials, seminars and journal reviews.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will:

1. possess a sound broad theoretical knowledge and understanding of the cellular, genetic and molecular aspects of embryo development and differentiation that are essential to a clinical human IVF program and in a research laboratory concerned with animal breeding or biotechnology;
2. have gained and demonstrated an ability to critically and constructively analyse research data in cellular, genetic and molecular aspects of embryology;
3. 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) and 2-hours revision in week 6