Reproduction and Pregnancy Masterclass

MEDN65531 Reproduction and Pregnancy Masterclass 0 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Michelle Desforges Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 0.0 Students will complete two masterclasses run by research staff within the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre and invited speakers. These will cover areas of major research focus within reproduction and pregnancy, including the use of assisted reproductive technologies and the translation of potential therapies for complications of pregnancy to the clinic. Students will gain an insight into the importance and nature of the interface between the laboratory and clinic for translational medicine. During these masterclasses students will gain understanding into major clinical problems in the reproduction and pregnancy field and acquire knowledge about how improved screening and monitoring via research clinics can improve outcomes in high-risk women. They will also gain appreciation of how early basic science findings can ultimately be translated into therapies and the need for appropriate pre-clinical models in this process. The course will be run between October - December; each masterclass will run over 1-2 days. Students will complete two masterclasses run by research staff within the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre and invited speakers. These will cover areas of major research focus within reproduction and pregnancy, including the use of assisted reproductive technologies and the translation of potential therapies for complications of pregnancy to the clinic. Students will gain an insight into the importance and nature of the interface between the laboratory and clinic for translational medicine. During these masterclasses students will gain understanding into major clinical problems in the reproduction and pregnancy field and acquire knowledge about how improved screening and monitoring via research clinics can improve outcomes in high-risk women. They will also gain appreciation of how early basic science findings can ultimately be translated into therapies and the need for appropriate pre-clinical models in this process. The course will be run between October - December; each masterclass will run over 1-2 days. The unit aims to provide students with an overview of translational research in the fields of reproduction and pregnancy and research clinics in our centre. It will include lectures and workshops with researchers of international standing, aiming to equip students with knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies, how research clinics are run, the interface with the laboratory and how therapeutics progress from the bench to pre-clinical phases and into clinical trials. On completion of the unit, students will have acquired significant knowledge of current research themes within the fields of reproduction and pregnancy and some insight into the problems they seek to address. Students will thus understand the need for translational research in reproductive and obstetric medicine and the importance of integration between basic science and the clinic in achieving solutions to pregnancy problems. •    Understand and explain about the different forms of assisted reproductive technologies and understand some of the important clinical problems and ethical controversies within this field. •    Understand and explain about some of the major clinical problems associated with reproduction and pregnancy, including long term consequences for the offspring. •    Show awareness of the necessity for good integration between basic science and the clinic for translational research •    Understand and explain why animal models are required within the fields of reproduction and pregnancy •    Understand and explain the need for appropriate pre-clinical studies in reproduction and pregnancy •    Gain knowledge of the pathway from basic science discovery to translation into clinical practice •    Understand and explain the need for research clinics in high-risk populations and how high-risk patients are identified •    Understand and explain the need for clinical trials in obstetrics •    Demonstrate awareness of the classes of drugs and types of nutrient supplements being considered for clinical trials •    Show critical thinking capacity when analysing published research publications •    Acquire the skills to learn new facts and concepts from oral presentations and from contributions to debates •    Summarise knowledge about the need for, and good design of, pre-clinical studies •    Present research evidence from this and other groups in a logical and accurate fashion   Design and present a scientific poster •    To listen effectively and learn background information about different facets of translational research from lectures/workshops •    Use word processing and powerpoint (poster design and presentations) •    Make constructive contributions to a discussion/debate •    Communicate effectively with both clinical and non-clinical staff at different levels •    Organise time and resources •    Prioritise and schedule •    Work independently and show capacity for self-discipline, motivation and diligence •    Work, and make important contributions, as part of a team •    Independently gather, sift, synthesise and organise material from various sources (including library, electronic and online resources), and critically evaluate its significance. •    Produce a written poster-style presentation using language appropriate to a specialist readership   •    Lectures from basic scientists and clinicians working within the reproduction and pregnancy fields •    Focussed workshops in small groups to discuss important facets of translational research •    Virtual tour of laboratory animal facilities to aid understanding of pre-clinical studies and the need for appropriate in vivo models •    Opportunity to visit one of the clinical rooms •    Guidance as to what makes a good poster presentation •    Constructive feedback and improvement on written poster assignment and oral presentations 0% MEDN69921 Research Methods Pre-Requisite Compulsory N 0 0 0