MCE5112 Core skills: Gamete and embryo handling
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
MCE5112 Core skills: Gamete and embryo handling is a level 5, 12-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
- 12
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Monash Medical Centre
- Assessment
- Exam 85%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MCE5112
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MCE5112
No unit lists MCE5112 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Overview
This unit will introduce you to an assisted reproduction technology (ART) education laboratory.
Hands-on practical tuition will enable you to gain key embryology and andrology skills and a platform for applying the theoretical knowledge from MCE5103 and MCE5105.
Using a murine model, you will gain competency in basic embryology skills (embryo handling, gamete preparation, IVF, embryo culture and embryo grading).
Using human semen samples, basic andrology skills (diagnostic and therapeutic) will be taught. You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key ART processes though both practical and written assessments. Associated laboratory skills such as microscopy skills, laboratory etiquette, working as a group, media making and writing laboratory reports will be included in the teaching of this unit.
Note; dissecting mice and attending the animal house for gamete and embryo collection is optional for you.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (extended) | Monash Medical Centre | On campus |
Assessment
- Practical exam _ Embryo culture (approximately 2 to 3 hours)Examination15%
- Practical exam _ IVF (approximately 5 hours)ExaminationCompetency hurdle50%
- Practical exam _ Objective Structured Practical Examination (approximately 2 hours)Examination20%
- Written lab reports: embryo culture, andrology and IVF ( Laboratory reports- 1,500 words equivalent)Written15%
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
Demonstrate proficiency in basic embryology laboratory skills
- 2
Demonstrate proficiency in basic andrology laboratory skills
- 3
Apply skills in following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and written laboratory instructions
- 4
Apply OHSE skills and knowledge to ensure safe work practices in the laboratory
- 5
Use laboratory equipment and consumables (including culture media) appropriately to optimise embryo development
- 6
Identify embryo developmental milestones and the concept of 'on time' embryo development
- 7
Propose solutions when laboratory troubleshooting is initiated
- 8
Create laboratory reports that demonstrate effective scientific communication skills
- 9
Demonstrate appropriate laboratory behaviour regarding teamwork and laboratory etiquette.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials4 hours
- Applied sessions200 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
This is a practical based unit, with a high number of contact hours for hands-on training.
This unit is runs the length of Semester 1 (19 weeks), with up to 14 hours of directed learning per week. It is expected that you attend all practical sessions and tutorials associated with this unit.
Off-campus students: need to be working in an ART laboratory, as they will be credited for this unit (appropriate evidence provided). Any gaps in competency will require you to attend face-to-face to achieve the credit (hours dependent on level of skill or activity type).
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
- Dr Duc Huynh
- Ms Penny Chen
- Chief Examiners
- Ms Penny Chen
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MCE5112?
MCE5112 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MCE5112 offered?
In 2026, MCE5112 runs in Semester 1 at Monash Medical Centre.
Does MCE5112 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 85% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.