M.Sc in Clinical Embryology
Introduction to the Program:
M.Sc in Clinical Embryology is a two-year postgraduate programme designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical expertise in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). The course aims to develop skilled professionals equipped with the scientific understanding and technical proficiency required of a clinical embryologist. The first babies conceived through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) were born in 1978 in the UK and India. Since then, IVF centres mushroomed around the world. Infertility affects about 15-20% of married couples and is a huge social problem in many countries including India. In India alone, there are more than 2000 IVF centres to treat infertile couples, and this number continues to grow. The exponential growth of IVF centres has necessitated the need for qualified embryologists. At the moment, there is a huge shortage of in-house embryologists, and the MSc course has been designed to meet the shortage of qualified embryologists and regulatory requirements of ICMR (Indian Council of Medical research) and regulatory bodies in other countries. This course will introduce the students about the basis and various facets of early embryonic development, and as such, shall instill deep insights and ingrain combined practical expertise on clinical embryology and pre-implantation genetics. Thus, although the primary objective of this joint academic-industry venture course roll-out is to is to generate industry-ready professionals in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to meet the rising demands for ART technicians across IVF centres across the globe, our course will not only harness skills in clinical embryology but shall also inculcate technical attributes in embryo biopsy for pre-implantation genetic screening.
PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEOs)
1. Acquire the basic understanding of human reproduction, genetics and infertility.
2. Acquire the theoretical aspects of clinical andrology, embryology and Pre- implantation genetic diagnosis
3. Develop skills to handle andrology laboratory techniques, sperm function tests and processing of semen for various procedures
4. Develop an understanding of how IVF laboratory works
5. Develop routine embryology laboratory skills including the handling of gametes and embryos.
6. Develop skills in the micromanipulation of gametes and embryos.
7. Develop skills in the cryopreservation of gametes, embryos and reproductive tissues and apply those skills in a clinical setting.
8. Develop skills in embryo biopsy
9. Develop an understanding on the legal aspects that regulates ART practice and the ethical issues surrounding ART practice.
10. Review literature, design and carry out basic and clinical research.
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE / PROGRAMME OUTCOME (PO):
PO1 – Mastery of reproductive and embryological science Acquire comprehensive knowledge of human reproduction, gametogenesis,
embryogenesis, and ART-related molecular mechanisms.
PO2 – Clinical embryology laboratory competence Learn advanced skills in gamete handling, IVF, ICSI, embryo grading, time-lapse analysis, and embryo biopsy under real clinical conditions.
PO3 – Expertise in cryopreservation technologies
Hands-on experience in vitrification, slow freezing, thawing, and warming
cryopreservation procedures, essential for a professional cryobiologist.
PO4 – Professional skill development for embryologist careers Expertise in SOP-driven workflows, quality assurance systems, and national guidelines for IVF and ART clinics; essential for clinical embryologists, ART laboratory specialists, and fertility clinic technologists.
PO5 – Andrology & gamete diagnostics expertise
Competence in performing advanced sperm selection procedures, male infertility
diagnostics, DNA fragmentation testing, and surgical sperm retrieval.
PO6 – Quality control, documentation & regulatory compliance
Become familiar with national/international ART laboratory quality standards, maintain laboratory calibration, maintain traceability, and comply with the ART Act.
PO7 – Clinical decision-support & patient-centric understanding
Interpret laboratory data, patient-centric embryo viability metrics, ovarian response, semen parameters, and PGT findings to support multidisciplinary fertility care.
PO8 – Research, innovation & evidence-based ART practice
Possess research competence in reproductive biology, ART optimisation, embryonic development analysis, and multi-omics data analysis.
PO9 – Technology adaptation & use of advanced laboratory equipment
Competent in operating high-end equipment associated with technologically advanced ART centres. PO10 – Responsible and global-standard embryology practice Students will be equipped with global competence and ethical responsibility, which will prepare them to assimilate into the reproductive healthcare industry.
Programme Eligibility:
Minimum 50% aggregate in 10+2 or equivalent from any recognised board and minimum 50% aggregate in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) / Technology (B.Tech) degree from any UGC recognized Universities/MBBS/, Pharmacy, BVSc, and Engineering with Science (Biotechnology and Life science related) or any other equivalent degree are eligible to apply for this course. Students
with Foreign National degree will apply through equivalence committee.
Duration (in Years): 2
**** Total credit of the programme M.Sc Clinical Embryology: 22 (1st Sem) + 22 (2nd Sem) +
22 (3rd Sem) + 22 (4th Sem) = 88
