Accreditation

Accreditation

COURSE OUTLINE

  • 1. Molecular and Cell Biology

    • 1.1 Intracellular structures: Cell membrane; microvilli; cytoplasm; cytoskeleton; microtubules; actin and intermediate filaments; centrioles; nucleus and chromosomes; mitochondria; endoplasmic reticulum; Golgi apparatus; cortical granules
    • 1.2 Metabolism in the mammalian cell: Carbohydrates; fats and lipids; proteins; enzymes; cytokines; metabolic pathways; reactive oxygen species
    • 1.3 Fundamental principles of molecular biology: DNA and RNA structure; replication; transcription; translation; secretion
    • 1.4 Mitosis and meiosis: Cell cycle; checkpoints; signals and controls
    • 1.5 Cell-cell interaction: Membrane receptors (function, type, regulation); signaling; junctions
    • 1.6 Physiological processes: Movement of proteins, ions and vesicles; exocytosis; endocytosis; phagocytosis
    • 1.7 Apoptosis and senescence

  • 2. Genetics in Reproduction

    • 2.1 Basic genetics principles: Genes, genotype and phenotype; Mendelian inheritance; pedigree interpretation; chromatin and chromosomes; structure and characteristics of sex chromosomes
    • 2.2 Genetic mechanisms: Mitosis and meiosis; recombination; errors; mosaicism; chromosomal anomalies; epigenetics
    • 2.3 Monogenic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities: Mutations—SNPs, CNVs, deletions, insertions
    • 2.4 Genetic causes of infertility: Testing in males and females; ageing effects on offspring
    • 2.5 Genetic analysis and diagnosis: Cytogenetics; molecular genetics; PCR; real-time PCR; PGT-M/SR/A; array CGH; NGS; WGS; SNP array

  • 3. Embryology

    • 3.1 Embryonic stem cells: Origins; definitions; characteristics
    • 3.2 Fetal ovary and testis: Regulation; organogenesis; sex differentiation/determination; germ cells; migration; timeline
    • 3.4 Gamete interaction up to 1st cleavage: Acrosome reaction; chromatin decondensation; fertilisation; oocyte activation; meiosis II; pronuclei; spindle; syngamy
    • 3.5 Embryo development: Cleavage; morula; blastocyst; metabolomics; axis formation; morphokinetics
    • 3.6 Implantation and post-implantation: Hatching; decidualization; window of implantation; adhesion; invasion; gastrulation
    • 3.7 Early pregnancy: hCG; biochemical pregnancy; ultrasound; monozygotic twinning; ectopic pregnancy; miscarriages

  • 4. Female Reproduction

    • 4.1 Anatomy and function: HPG axis; ovaries; uterus; sexual characteristics; menstrual cycle; menopause
    • 4.2 Oogenesis: Hormonal regulation; FSH/LH receptors; granulosa/theca cells; meiosis; morphology
    • 4.3 Oocyte competence: Nuclear/cytoplasmic maturity; polar bodies; zona; cumulus; dysmorphisms
    • 4.4 Diagnosis of infertility: Aetiology; genetics; hormones; ovarian reserve; donor screening
    • 4.5 Ovarian stimulation: Agonists/antagonists; ovulation induction; OHSS; fresh vs cryo cycles; complications

  • 5. Male Reproduction

    • 5.1 Anatomy and function: HPG axis; Sertoli/Leydig cells; accessory glands; ejaculation disorders
    • 5.2 Spermatogenesis: Endocrine regulation; Sertoli/Leydig functions; maturation; blood–testis barrier
    • 5.3 Spermatozoa competence: Maturity; morphology; acrosome; tail; capacitation; motility
    • 5.4 Diagnosis of male infertility: Semen analysis; obstructive vs non-obstructive azoospermia; DNA fragmentation
    • 5.5 Clinical workup: Aetiology; genetics; hormones; treatment; sperm donation; screening

  • 6. MAR Laboratory Procedures

    • 6.1 Choosing fertilisation procedures: IUI, IVF, ICSI; PESA; TESA; TESE; microTESE
    • 6.2 Sperm sample preparation: Gradient; swim-up; microfluidics; electrophoresis; MACS
    • 6.3 ART/MAR techniques: Pickup; oocyte handling; IVF; ICSI; troubleshooting
    • 6.4 Culture conditions: Media; culture systems; CE marking; QC; sterilization; pH; osmolality
    • 6.5 Embryo grading and transfer: Zygote–blastocyst criteria; time-lapse; selection; transfer
    • 6.6 PGT: Timing; biopsy methods; result interpretation; contamination control
    • 6.7 Add-on techniques: IVM; IMSI; PICSI; assisted hatching; artificial activation
    • 6.8 Third-party reproduction: Donor selection; testing; handling

  • 7. Cryopreservation

    • 7.1 Principles: Cryobiology; cryoprotectants; slow freezing; vitrification; lyophilization
    • 7.2 Gametes, zygotes, embryos
    • 7.3 Ovarian/testicular tissue
    • 7.4 Equipment: Consumables; systems; contamination risks; safety; alarms; incubators; dewars
    • 7.5 Warming/thawing cycle: Monitoring; timing; survival assessment
    • 7.6 Fertility preservation: Males and females, pre- and postpubertal

  • 8. Laboratory and Quality Management

    • 8.1 Patient data: Identity; confidentiality; traceability; safety; Single European Code
    • 8.2 Quality assurance: SOPs; validation; QC; risk management; KPIs; training
    • 8.3 Equipment and facility management: Calibration; monitoring; optical systems; air quality; hygiene
    • 8.5 Risks and biovigilance: Infectious samples; PPE; disinfection; mix-up risks; equipment failure
    • 8.6 Treatment outcomes: Child health; maternal/paternal factors; genetics; malformations
    • Minimizing and Tracking Errors in the ART Laboratory
    • Emergency Planning
    • Regulation, Accreditation, and Inspection Preparedness
    • Legal Aspects of Patient Interaction in the ART Laboratory
    • Research and Institutional Review Boards
    • Ethical, Legal, and Religious Issues in Infertility Treatment
    • ART and Surrogacy Act, 2021