Biological basis of reproduction and fertility

Details

Title

Biological basis of reproduction and fertility

Type

Stage One

Module code

HLS314

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of the training period trainees will, with respect to the biological basis of reproduction and fertility, be able to:

• analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge
• perform a range of technical and clinical skills and procedures
• demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for professional practice as a consultant clinical scientist dealing with the complexities, uncertainties and tensions of professional practice at this level.

Trainees will also be able to perform a range of technical and clinical skills in a range of settings including Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Care (including critical care) and demonstrate the attitude and behaviour necessary for the role of a Clinical Scientist. This requires an understanding of: 

• anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems
• gametogenesis and the structure and function of gametes and embryos
• the menstrual cycle and reproductive endocrinology, including the luteal and post-implantation phases
• cellular and molecular basis of fertilisation
• implantation and early pregnancy
• hormonal control of male reproduction
• sexual differentiation and post-implantation development, including development of the fetal testes and ovaries
• the clinical manifestation of aetiological problems associated with infertility
• factors impacting upon fertility.

 These topics will have been covered in the STP programme but, in this first year of the HSST programme, scientific and clinical knowledge will be consolidated and expanded to develop clinical skills relating to reproductive science.

Knowledge and understanding

This assumes knowledge of the laboratory aspects of reproductive science (see Stage 1 Module 1).

 By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise relevant knowledge and its application to their professional practice in relation to the:

• anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems
• gametogenesis and the structure and function of gametes and embryos
• menstrual cycle and reproductive endocrinology including the luteal and post-implantation phases and awareness of the different types of aetiology, including cyst formation
• implantation and early pregnancy
• hormonal control of male reproduction
• clinical manifestation of aetiological problems associated with infertility
• factors impacting upon fertility.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current relevant research, theory and knowledge and its application to the performance of the following technical procedures and laboratory skills:

• to present accurate, clear and concise documentation of patient data relating to the cause and treatment of infertility.

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to apply knowledge of the biological basis of reproduction and fertility to perform the clinical skills necessary to manage under supervision:

• a relevant basic clinical history for infertility
• equipment required for basic assisted reproduction techniques
• rapport with the multidisciplinary team
• the explanation of results and clinical management plans simply and effectively to both clinicians and patients including recognising the most appropriate assisted reproduction treatment.