MCE5101 · Medically assisted reproduction strategies

Overview

This unit explores the social, medical and genetic treatment options and strategies available to people requiring assisted reproductive technology (ART). By understanding the reproductive requirements of patients (including autologous treatment, donor gametes and embryos, surrogacy and genetic testing), you will gain an appreciation for when medical intervention is needed and the strategies that have the strongest clinical and medical evidence. You will also understand confounding factors that impact IVF success for both laboratory and pregnancy outcomes, and will consider what defines treatment success from the perspective of different industry stakeholders. You will perform a critical appraisal on both a published infertility management strategy and a clinically available technique/technology that is not yet standard industry practice to determine if scientific evidence supports routine implementation. Treatment strategies for specific patient groups (including male factor, PCOS and endometriosis) will be explored, including emerging strategies that require legal, ethical and societal consideration (for example mitochondrial donation). You will also develop an appreciation for the emotional and physical challenges experienced by patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, and complete a patient communication simulation to demonstrate patient empathy and support from the perspective of an embryologist when delivering results.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss how assisted reproductive requirements are linked to clinical treatment strategies and identify factors that impact treatment success.
2. Evaluate laboratory and clinical treatment strategies for both standard practice and emerging techniques and technologies.
3. Demonstrate empathy and support for patients undergoing ART treatment through a simulated roleplay.
4. Locate and evaluate scientific literature and the latest research on infertility management and treatment.
5. Effectively communicate an evidence-based review of a contemporary or controversial treatment option to a specified audience.
6. Critically evaluate the assisted reproductive technology (ART) industry from the perspective of various stakeholders, including reporting success.

Workload

Expect 12 hours per week of directed and self-directed learning over a six week block. For on-campus students, this unit is conducted over six weeks in Semester 1. It is expected that you attend all lectures and tutorials associated with this unit. For off-campus students, all teaching activities are recorded. Semester 1 assessments align with on-campus timeframes.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.