student looking through microscope

An opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences

Introduction

This course covers all aspects of human reproductive and developmental biology, addressing them from the perspective of the fundamental mechanisms that control these normal physiological processes, and then considering our current knowledge of the most important pathologies.

This course will include consideration of some selected topics of particular interest, to demonstrate how fundamental science can lead to a better understanding of normal and pathological processes in reproduction and development.

This course will comprise three core teaching blocks, a self-directed learning block involving independent and group work, and a 14-week research project. Please find further course information in the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Course Guide.

The Course Director is Dr Mark Sullivan (mark.sullivan@imperial.ac.uk).


Aims and objectives

  • To consider the processes required for successful reproduction, including the detailed mechanisms involved
  • To provide an understanding of how the latest scientific knowledge can inform and improve clinical practice and treatments
  • To assess rigorously how much we understand the mechanisms underlying the main pathologies of human reproduction and development
  • To appreciate the most recent insights from fundamental research, and to consider how these may inform further clinical and translational approaches

After taking this course students will:

  • Have an awareness of the main characteristics and events in human reproduction and development
  • Have been introduced to the most recent science underpinning our understanding of human reproduction, from the earliest stages of life, through pregnancy, to infanthood
  • Have been introduced to the normal development of the infant in utero, at the time of delivery and at the beginning of independent life
  • Have a greater appreciation for the vulnerability of the preterm human infant, and how the preterm and term infant reacts to their environment
  • Be able to summarise the main effects of paediatric infection on an infant, and identify the main processes involved
  • Be able to identify the effects of paediatric allergic diseases and the main mechanisms involved

Eligibility

This is a one-year intercalated BSc. To be eligible to apply you must:

  • Be registered on a recognised Medical, Dental or Veterinary course at a UK or Irish university.
  • Have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial. i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2023/24.
  • Have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after completing your intercalated BSc.

Application Process

 Admissions for 2024-25 entry are now open. The application deadline will be 16:00 on Friday 1 March 2024.

Selection is based on your application form and the supporting documents you will upload with your application. Please find further information about the application process in the downloadable Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide for 2024-25 entry (PDF)

If you have any queries about the application process, please email the BSc Programmes Team at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.

 


Course Structure

BSc Reproductive and Developmental Sciences will run from Monday 23 September 2024 until Friday 23 May 2025. The term dates can be found in the downloadable  BSc Dates and Course Structure 2024-25 (PDF)

The course is comprised of three modules:

  • A 12-week teaching block where students gain specialism-specific knowledge and skills, alongside their core research training
  • A 5-week self-directed learning block involving a clinical case study and group work
  • A 14-week supervised research project

Please find further information about the course content in the BSc Reprodcutive and Developmental Sciences Course Guide.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Tuition Fees for the course?

Tuition fee rates are the same as the Imperial College London MBBS Course. Further information can be found here.

How can I learn more about the course?

Please find further information in the BSc Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Course Guide.

Can I speak to a current student?

Yes! Please contact the BSc Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Course Administrator, Claire Wade (c.wade@imperial.ac.uk), who will be happy to put you in touch with a current student.

How many places are available on the course?

We set 11 course spaces aside for intercalating students from other universities.

What is the ratio of internal Imperial students to intercalating students from other universities?

Usually around two thirds of the course cohort are Imperial students and one third are intercalating students from other universities.

How competitive is the application process?

In the past few academic years, we have been pleased to offer the majority of applicants a place on the course. 

When will I receive the outcome of my application?

We aim to respond to applicants by the end of March.