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 2026 in Semester 1 at Monash Medical Centre. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Monash Medical Centre
- Assessment
- Exam 35%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 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 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
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 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (extended) | Monash Medical Centre | On campus |
| First semester (extended) | Monash Medical Centre | Online |
Assessment
- Test series (2 x tests)ExaminationCompetency hurdle35%
- Literature review (2,500 words)Written30%
- Case study (2 hours)Exercise20%
- Simulation (2 hours)Demonstration15%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Apply principles of embryo culture to optimise ART procedures and ensure embryo development is not compromised.
- 2
Evaluate embryo competency using a variety of morphological, physiological and AI selection methods.
- 3
Link key laboratory performance indicators with patient outcomes and understand the thresholds for applying troubleshooting investigations.
- 4
Locate and evaluate scientific literature and the latest research on embryology and assisted reproductive technology.
- 5
Simulate through roleplay the patient and embryologist journey through a stimulated IVF cycle.
- 6
Critically analyse the complexities of assisted reproduction from the perspective of the patient, medical industry and society.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures15 hours
- Tutorials12 hours
- Workshops6 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
- Unit Coordinators
- Ms Emma Lingham
- Chief Examiners
- Ms Emma Lingham
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MCE5103?
MCE5103 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MCE5103 offered?
In 2026, 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.