3 Day Core Embryology Course

Course Type

3 day course

Course Description

The Core Embryology Training is intended to provide participants with the core knowledge of assisted reproductive laboratory technologies. Participants will critically appraise key processes in the andrology, embryology, and cryopreservation laboratory. The course covers the principal procedures for set up of culture dishes, maintenance of the culture system, semen preparation, oocyte retrieval, IUI, IVF and ICSI- including denudation of oocytes, embryo assessment, embryo transfer and cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, including vitrification.

Course Objectives

• To learn about the principles of semen preparation
• To learn about the oocyte retrieval procedure
• To learn about IUI, IVF and ICSI
• To learn about embryo assessment
• To learn about embryo transfer
• To learn about the optimal culture conditions and how to control and check these
• To learn about the cryopreservation techniques for oocytes, embryos, and blastocysts
• To have demonstration and hands-on experience in the above techniques.

Target Audience

Lab technicians, clinical embryologists, research scientists and trainees with some clinical experience wishing to improve their core knowledge and theoretical understanding of embryology, andrology and assisted reproductive laboratory techniques.

Educational needs and expected outcomes

The course aims to provide you with:

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of the biological and technical aspects of
  – sperm preparation
  – oocyte retrieval
  – IUI, IVF and ICSI
  – sperm, oocyte, embryo, and blastocyst cryopreservation including vitrification
  – embryo transfer
• Theoretical knowledge of embryo assessment
• Knowledge of controlling and checking IVF culture conditions like pH, temperature, osmolality, humidity, dish preparation (type of dish, oil, volumes of droplets, equilibration time …), and air quality

Educational methods

• 3 Pre-Course Self-study Modules with self-assessment
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Demonstration
• Hands-on practical sessions

Please note that his course does not involve any observation of clinical work or use of human oocytes/embryos handling during egg collection, insemination, and embryo transfer.

Minimal expertise required for participation in the Course

Working as an IVF/Andrology lab technician, an embryologist, a research scientist (or trainee)

Certificate of attendance

Participants obtain a certificate of attendance after attending all modules and completing the Course evaluation at the end of the Course.

What’s included

• Attendance to lectures
• Theoretical and Hands-on training
• Digital Syllabus of the Course
• Lunches, refreshments, and snacks
• Certificate of attendance

What’s not included

• Transportation to and from Belgium
• Accommodation
• Cost for Visa application
• Participants are advised to organize personal travel insurance.