Human Reproductive Biology

Why study Human Reproductive Biology at Dundee?

Infertility is a common disease with approximately 1 in 7 couples of reproductive age being diagnosed as infertile - equating to 72.5 million people globally. There is an increasing demand for Assisted Conception Treatment (ART) with up to 6% of births in the EU being a result of ART. As such there is a clear need for medical students to have up to date information on these subjects and provide them with the ability to analyse the subject critically. ART is consistently in the media (e.g. related to saviour sibling, sex selection, egg freezing etc.) and is a popular, interesting and stimulating subject for the students.

Skills and knowledge you will acquire during your MSc at the University of Dundee and IVF unit in Ninewells Hospital include:

• In-depth understanding of basic reproductive physiology and a detailed knowledge of human ART
• Semen analysis and training to ESHRE standards
• Aseptic technique
• Sperm preparation and cryopreservation
• Recruitment of patients and donors for research
• Preparation of ethical approvals and appreciation for the ethical issues in ART
• Detailed work with human eggs and sperm. Including assessment of gamete quality
• Embryos for research in specific cases
• Detailed and practical knowledge of the HFEA and legislative and regulatory framework
• Knowledge of basic IVF laboratory techniques e.g. preparation of dishes, witnessing
• Detailed knowledge of generation and use of human ES cells and iPS cells.

Reproduction is as a subject is fascinating and has clear medical/clinical application e.g. in IVF. Importantly our course is linked with the IVFR unit at NHS Tayside and thus gives many opportunities for students to see how and IVF clinic operates and the clinical challenges that this subject brings.

Those interested in a career in reproductive medicine who wish on completion of the course to undertake a PhD. Additionally those students interested in a career in human embryology/IVF.

• All Medicine PG courses