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Teaching & Learning

We are firm believers in understanding how our students learn and take active steps in the design of our teaching and curriculum to provide the best possible learning experience. Our MSc in Clinical Embryology course and staff have won numerous awards which reflect this commitment to excellence in teaching.

Prof. Kevin Coward instructing students in the laboratory.

Teaching and Learning Methodology 

The course is delivered by senior members of staff from the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health.

A variety of teaching methods are employed to enhance and optimise student learning, including:

  • Class lectures
  • Group tutorials
  • Laboratory practical classes
  • In-house demonstrations by visiting companies.
  • Lectures from visiting scientists and clinicians who are world experts in their field.

Regular class-directed learning (CDL) sessions provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their understanding of course content and liaise with course teaching staff to address any issues arising. Additional problem-based learning (PBL) techniques allow the class to analyse and research a given topic in small groups. Findings are subsequently presented and discussed with course teaching staff.

Our course places special emphasis on the development of practical laboratory skills, especially those applicable to research in the reproductive sciences, ART and the routine duties of a clinical embryologist. Our students are also given the opportunity to observe clinical procedures in Oxford Fertility’s IVF laboratory for at least one day during the course, and shadow a senior clinician during patient consultations.

 

teaching staff

The course staff maintain a proactive role in the pedagogy of higher education and have close links with the Higher Education Academy, a national institution for inspiring, teaching, and transforming learning. We are firm believers in understanding how our students learn and take active steps in the design of our teaching and curriculum to provide the best possible learning experience. 

 

BSC (Hons) PhD (Stirllng) PGDipLATHE (Oxon) SFHEA FRSB CBiol CSciTeach Kevin Coward - Associate Professor, Director of Taught Programmes

Associate Professor Kevin Coward, Director of Taught Programmes

  • Lead for Testicular Cryopreservation Research
  • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology
  • Senior Tutor (Divisional Skills Training Programme)

Prof. Kevin Coward was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGDipLATHE) with Distinction by the Department of Education, University of Oxford. His final course portfolio focussed upon academic development of the MSc in Clinical Embryology in a series of strategic areas: student learning & development, feedback & assessment, diversity, equality, inclusivity, teaching settings and strategies, discipline-specific teaching concerns, course design and leading education change.

By gaining Distinction, Kevin gained Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy - a national institution which promotes excellence in higher education. 

 

BSc (Hons) DPhil (oxon) Rebecca Dragovic - Director of the MSc in Clinical Embryology

Dr Rebecca Dragovic, Course Director

  • Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Endometriosis CaRe Centre
  • Tutor (MSD Skills Training Programme)
  • Most Acclaimed Lecturer Award (Medical Sciences)

Dr. Dragovic gained accreditation for teaching through the  Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) and holds a Supporting Learning Award (2017) and a Learning, Teaching and Asssessing Award (2019), both of which are aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework. 

In addition to teaching on the MSc in Clinical Embryology, Rebecca is also a tutor on the Medical Sciences Division Preparing and Learning at Oxford (PLTO) 'Tutorials' course.

 

Celine Jones - Deputy Director Of Taught Programmes

Mrs Celine Jones, Deputy Director of Taught Programmes

  • Part of Assisted Reproductive Technology, Fertility Preservation and Sperm research groups
  • Awarded Fellowship of the HEA in 2017

Mrs Jones was appointed as Laboratory Manager for the NDWRH’s MSc in Clinical Embryology in 2008 and played an instrumental role in setting up the course. In addition to her teaching and managerial duties for the MSc, Celine undertakes research into cellular, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of oocyte activation at fertilisation. In 2024, Celine was promoted to Deputy Director of Taught Programmes.

 

Guest teaching staff 

The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health has a wealth of renowned and world-leading experts. We often invite these specialists to teach specific elements of the course. 

 

 TEACHING AWARDS

Course staff have won a series of awards in recognition of their teaching, you can find more information on the Teaching Awards page here. 

 

 

 

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