Programme Structure

Module 1: 3rd October to 21st October 2011

Both programmes take Basic Genetics (examined by problem booklets, lead Sioban SenGupta)

Basic Genetics

AIMS - To provide knowledge of basic human genetics, human genetic variation, linkage analysis, genetic and physical maps, the relevance of the human genome project, comparative mapping, identification of candidate genes, mutation, to provide skills in analysis of family pedigrees and the use of different biological databases available on the Internet.

Lecture list

Introduction to cytogenetics
Practical Aspects to FISH
Introduction to PCR
Practical Aspects of PCR
DNA replication, Transcription and Translation
Bioinformatics
Linkage
Finding the mutation
Polygenic and multifactorial inheritance
Animal Models
Microarrays

Module 2: 24th October to 11th November 2011

Both programmes take Gametogenesis, preimplantation development and IVF (examined by essay, lead Joyce Harper)

Gametogenesis, preimplantation development and IVF

AIMS – to provide knowledge into the theory and practical aspects of gametogenesis, preimplantation development and IVF.

Lecture list

World of the unborn
Anatomy of the female and male reproductive tract and meiosis
Spermatogenesis
Clinical andrology
Male infertility and sperm dysfunction
Oogenesis
Female infertility
Fertilisation
Preimplantation development
Infertility treatments
Laboratory aspects of IVF
Clinical aspects of IVF
IVF demonstration
Video of IVF

Two day visits to the IVF unit.

Module 3: 14th November to 2nd December 2011

Reproductive Science take Female reproductive physiology and anatomy (examined by exam, lead Greg Fitzharris)
Prenatal Genetics take Genetic mechanisms (examined by exam, lead Sioban SenGupta)

Female reproductive physiology and anatomy

AIMS – To provide knowledge into all aspects of female anatomy and physiology during a life course of a women from puberty to menopause.

Lecture list

Female anatomy
Puberty and the menstrual cycle
Disorders of menstruation
Menopause (osteoporosis, post menopausal bleeding)
Menstrual problems (menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, pelvic pain, fibroids, amenorrhea, PMT)
Incontinence
Prolapse and disorders of urinary tract
Irritable bowel syndrome
Eating disorders (diabetes, etc)
Promoting women's health in primary care
Alternative therapies in women's health

The last two weeks of term 1 are taken up with revision for exams, handing in genetics booklets, preparation of essays, discussion about projects and a seminar presentation on a topic related to the course.

Module 4: 9th January to 27th January 2012

Reproductive Science take Pregnancy and childbirth (examined by essay, lead Donald Peebles)
Prenatal Genetics take Organogenesis and fetal development (examined by exam, lead Joyce Harper)

Pregnancy and childbirth

AIMS – to develop an understanding of pregnancy, fetal growth and function and their consequences in relation to the wellbeing of the mother and baby.

Lecture list

Conception
The unwanted pregnancy and TOP
Physiological changes in pregnancy
Placental and fetal growth
Normal pregnancy and antenatal care
Antenatal disorders
Normal and abnormal labour
Maternal mortality
Neonatology
Psychiatric disorders in pregnancy
Postnatal depression
Pregnancy and childbirth in the third world
Ethical dilemmas

Module 5: 30th January to 17th February 2012

Both programmes take Prenatal diagnosis and screening (examined by essay, lead Anna David)

Prenatal diagnosis and screening

AIMS – to provide knowledge into the theory and practical aspects of prenatal diagnosis and screening.

Lecture list

The 12 week scan
20 week scan and markers for chromosomal abnormalities
Routine 20 week scan
Principles
Chromosome abnormalities
Genetic syndromes
Non invasive Prenatal Diagnosis
Invasive Procedures
Recordings of amniocentesis and CVS
Cytogenetics - classical methods
Cytogenetics - New molecular methods
The role of the geneticist
Visit to the cytogenetics lab
Prevention of the Haemoglobinopathies
Prevention of the Haemoglobinopathies (lab)

One day visit to the FMU.

Module 6: 20th February to 9th March 2012

Reproductive Science take Reproductive health (examined by exam, lead Paul Hardiman)
Prenatal Genetics take Medical genetics (examined by essay, lead Christopher Jones)

Reproductive Health

AIMS – to provide knowledge into all aspects of reproductive health including infertility, sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, fertility in the 3rd world and ethical issues, normal puberty and pubertal disorders, congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract, paediatric gynaecology, reproductive disorders in the adolescent.

Lecture list

Sexual dysfunction
STDs
Female disorders (PCO, endometriosis, thyroid, etc)
Genital tract infections
Fertility investigations
Treatments
Delaying fertility
ART
Recurrent miscarriage
Contraception
Contraception after 35 years
Unplanned pregnancy
Preventing teenage pregnancies
Reproductive health in the third world
Ethical issues in reproductive health

The last two weeks of term 2 are taken up with revision for exams, preparation of essays, preparing for project and a seminar presentation.

Module 7: 23rd April to 11th May 2012

Reproductive Science take Breast and Reproductive Cancers (examined by exam, lead Christopher Jones) Prenatal Genetics take Fetal Medicine (examined by exam, lead Eric Jauniaux)

Breast and Reproductive Cancers

AIMS – to provide knowledge into all aspects of cancers that specifically have an impact on women.

Lecture list

Breast
Ovarian
Cervical
Endometrial
Vulvar
Fallopian tube
Prophylactic surgery
Fertility in the cancer patient

Module 8: 14th May to 1st June 2012

Both programmes take Preimplantion genetic diagnosis (examined by exam, lead Joyce Harper)

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis

AIMS – to provide knowledge into the theory of preimplantation genetic diagnosis and to teach the laboratory skills of PCR and FISH.

Lecture list

Introduction to PGD
Embryo biopsy
Fluorescent in situ hybridisation
PGD for chromosomes abnormalities
Molecular methods of PGD
Future Developments
Ethics
Ethical discussion
Video on PGD
FISH practical
Looking at FISH slides
Isolation of single cells and putting on PCR
PCR practical