Reproductive and Developmental Medicine

Course description

This course covers the biological, clinical and social issues surrounding fertility, pregnancy, prenatal development and childbirth. It covers the fundamentals of reproductive science and their clinical applications.

You will study topics ranging from genetics, gonadal development, the production of gametes and embryo development, through to pregnancy and labour. Disorders that can affect fertility, foetal development and pregnancy are covered, along with their treatments. You will also explore social issues, and the ethical and legal debates surrounding reproductive medicine.

Each module is taught by experts, including clinicians, embryologists, reproductive counsellors, genetic testing specialists and scientists.

Purpose-built facilities

Most of our teaching takes place in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ purpose-built Jessop Wing, which is home to working maternity wards and as well as the Reproductive and Developmental Medicine team. There is an assisted conception unit, an andrology clinic, imaging, ultrasound and neonatology facilities, and a dedicated teaching and lab space.

Research project

You will apply the knowledge you have gained in the first half of your degree to a six-month research project in the second half. This will give you experience of life as a scientific researcher, and you choose from a wide range of areas to identify a research topic that matches your interests. Projects can be based in the lab or have a clinical focus that involves working with clinical data sets or directly with patients.