Curriculum

Reproductive Clinical Science - Embryology & Andrology (Ph.D.) is an online program that has been designed for adult learners and working professionals who are in the workforce while they are enrolled in this program, except for one on-campus course during the program. This 49-credit-hour program is projected to be completed in 32 months; however, due to the nature of independent research, more time may be needed.

The program starts in the fall. Students take 2 years of graduate-level didactic and research development courses and must pass a comprehensive qualifying exam at the end of their third semester to advance to candidacy. The final year of the program focuses on dissertation research. During the final semester, the students will prepare and defend their dissertation projects. Six students are accepted each year to this three-year online program.

Course Sequence

Course Descriptions

RCS-801 - Advanced Statistics

Advanced Statistics explores the use of statistics in basic and clinical science research. Learn what types, when and how to use different analysis tools for qualitative and quantitative statistics and quality assurance calculations. Particular attention will be focused on clinical and laboratory applications as well as basic science research.

RCS-802 - Assisted Reproduction Evidence-Based Practice Journal Club

Using the best evidence from literature, learn how to interpret and formulate best practices in IVF. This course will utilize the principles of evidence-based medical practice and adapt them to the clinical IVF environment.

RCS-803 - Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Reproduction

Knowing which type of animal models and how they may be used in research is an essential component of interpreting and applying study outcomes to humans. This course will illustrate the uses and limitations of these animal models in the study of human reproduction. 

RCS-804 - Experimental Design

Essential skills for a researcher are how to design a study and how to apply advanced experimental modeling techniques. These are both combined here, leading to best practices development in experimental design. 

RCS-805 - Advanced Topics IVF

Using the literature, students will present current topic areas in IVF, laboratory and clinical research. How to conduct research in this area will also be covered in this course.

RCS-806 - Developmental Biology

Study the origin and development of form and patterns in organisms. Recent investigations and recent research methodology on the processes of growth and differentiation are stressed.

RCS-815 - Dissertation Research Proposal Development

This course gives students an opportunity to structure their research projects and write a proposal for their dissertation.

RCS-809 - Toxicology and Infertility

Environmental factors influence fertility during development, gametogenesis, fertilization and embryogenesis. This course explores the current technology, theories and research surrounding toxins and fertility.

RCS-810 - Research Literature Review

During this course, students learn the best techniques for reviewing the literature, summarizing previous data and writing a review of a topic area. Students will produce their own topic literature review by the end of this course.

RCS-811 - Advanced Topics Male Infertility Research Literature

Using the literature, students will present current topic areas in male infertility, treatment and research. How to conduct research in this area will also be covered in this course.

RCS-812 - Clinical Laboratory Management

All aspects of the management of a clinical lab will be presented in this course. Students will develop new protocols, write risk management reports, develop QC guidelines and design and justify the design of an IVF facility as a portfolio project.

RCS-814 - ART and Genetics

Using literature, students will present current topics in ART and genetics. How to conduct research in this area will also be covered in this course.

RCS-816 - Research Project Presentation

The objective of this course is to follow the dissertation research plan and track progress of dissertation research. 

RCS-819 - The Business of IVF

Management of the IVF facility from the business perspective is the main goal of this course. Students will construct an analysis of a laboratory business plan and propose phased changes to make improvements.