EMPR0511p Propedeutics of assisted reproduction

Faculty of Medicine
autumn 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/0/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
PharmDr. Zuzana Holubcová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Kristína Valovičová (lecturer)
MUDr. Eva Mecová (assistant)
Guaranteed by
PharmDr. Zuzana Holubcová, Ph.D.
Department of Histology and Embryology – Theoretical Departments – Faculty of Medicine
Contact Person: PharmDr. Zuzana Holubcová, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Histology and Embryology – Theoretical Departments – Faculty of Medicine
Prerequisites
EMHE0322p Histology and Embr. II - lec.
EMHE0322p
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the theoretical foundations of reproductive medicine, including factors affecting human reproductive health and the causes of infertility. The course also provides an overview of professional terminology and assisted reproduction techniques, and familiarizes students with the historical development of the field, its ethical aspects, the relevant legislative framework, and the principles of quality management.
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the history and current development of             assisted reproduction
  • use appropriate professional terminology
  • describe the factors affecting human reproductive health
  • explain the possibilities and limitations of infertility treatment and the                   principles of assisted reproduction techniques
  • characterize the legislative framework of the field and the requirements                 for quality management and control systems
  • identify the main professional organizations in assisted reproduction and             the opportunities for postgraduate education
  • discuss the ethical issues and controversies associated with the field

Key topics

1. Reproductive health – definition, prevalence, and types of infertility; causes of female and male infertility.

2. Research of reproduction – model organisms, types of scientific studies, and the publication process; training of embryologists and professional organizations.

3.  History of embryology and assisted reproduction; the current status and success rates of assisted reproduction in the Czech Republic and abroad.

4.  Procedures and terminology in reproductive medicine; evaluation of infertility; organization of an IVF clinic.

5. Quality management and regulation of assisted reproduction – legislative framework, hygiene standards, qualification requirements, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

6.  Ethical aspects of assisted reproduction.

7. Field trip to an IVF center – tour of the andrology and embryology laboratories and discussion with a reproductive medicine specialist.

Study resources and literature
    required literature
  • základem pro studium jsou přednášky
    recommended literature
  • Elder K., Dale B.: In Vitro Fertilization 4th ed., Cambridge 2020.
  • ESHRE Guideline Group on Good Practice in IVF Labs, De los Santos MJ, Apter S, et al. Revised guidelines for good practice in IVF laboratories (2015). Hum Reprod. 2016;31(4):685-686. doi:10.1093/humrep/dew016
  • Coward K., Wells D.: Textbook of Clinical Embryology, 1st ed., Cambridge 2013.
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
lecture
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
The course is completed by a written examination. A minimum of 60% of the total points is required to pass the exam.
Alternate completion
In justified cases, the course may be completed in an alternative form subject to prior individual agreement with the lecturer.
Language of instruction
Czech
Follow-Up Courses
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
Teacher's information
https://www.muni.cz/en/people/59820-zuzana-holubcova
The course is also listed under the following terms autumn 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (autumn 2026, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/med/autumn2026/EMPR0511p