UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

MCE5103 Embryology procedures

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

MCE5103 Embryology procedures is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Monash Medical Centre. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2025
Semester 1
Monash Medical Centre
Assessment
Exam 35%
and 3 other tasks

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before MCE5103

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After MCE5103

No unit lists MCE5103 as a prerequisite in the 2025 handbook.

Enrolment rules

Corequisite: Must be enrolled in the following course code: 2309, M6010

Overview

This unit explores the science and theory of human embryology in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In the context of an embryology laboratory, you will learn how all key procedures are performed and optimised to ensure stress is minimised and gamete and embryo quality is not compromised. From the perspective of an embryologist, you will apply the principles of embryo culture to all practical skills required to be performed in a human ART laboratory, and appreciate the critical role timing plays in an embryologist’s day and workflow.

You will be able to confidently perform embryo selection based on morphology, and will have an appreciation for emerging embryo selection strategies. You will understand how key performance indicators for both embryology performance and pregnancy outcomes are defined and calculated, and will be able to evaluate data to know when thresholds for initiating laboratory troubleshooting have been met. To link the complexities of IVF processes and procedures, you will engage in simulation tasks that require decision making that (i) follows a patient through the entire process and (ii) reflects the daily operations of an embryology laboratory.

Offerings in 2025

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semester (extended)Monash Medical CentreOnline
First semester (extended)Monash Medical CentreOn campus

Assessment

  • Test series (2 x tests)ExaminationCompetency hurdle
    35%
  • Literature review (2,500 words)Written
    30%
  • Case study (2 hours)Exercise
    20%
  • Simulation (2 hours)Demonstration
    15%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Apply principles of embryo culture to optimise ART procedures and ensure embryo development is not compromised.

  2. 2

    Evaluate embryo competency using a variety of morphological, physiological and AI selection methods.

  3. 3

    Link key laboratory performance indicators with patient outcomes and understand the thresholds for applying troubleshooting investigations.

  4. 4

    Locate and evaluate scientific literature and the latest research on embryology and assisted reproductive technology.

  5. 5

    Simulate through roleplay the patient and embryologist journey through a stimulated IVF cycle.

  6. 6

    Critically analyse the complexities of assisted reproduction from the perspective of the patient, medical industry and society.

Workload and teaching

  • Workshops6 hours
  • Lectures15 hours
  • Tutorials12 hours
  • Teaching approachOnline learning

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.

For full details of the teaching approach to this unit, please refer to Moodle.

Learning resources

Required resources

See Moodle for details about required resources.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Ms Emma Lingham
Unit Coordinators
Associate Professor Sally Catt
Ms Emma Lingham

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MCE5103?

MCE5103 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is MCE5103 offered?

In 2025, MCE5103 runs in Semester 1 at Monash Medical Centre, with an online option.

Does MCE5103 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational unit
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 3
Study abroad
Not available