University master's degrees
University Master's Degree in Cytogenetics and Reproductive Biology

Deciphering the organisation of cellular genome and its transmission to descendants as a tool through which academically and professionally to immerse oneself into the field of embryology and genetic diagnostics

Content Official Master's Degree in Cytogenetics and Reproductive Biology

Ideal student profile

The master's degree in Cytogenetics and Reproductive Biology is aimed at graduates in Biosciences. Students should have strong analytical skills, a proactive attitude and determination, and should have completed their bachelor's degree studies in Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Biology or Biotechnology, or their equivalents from other universities.

This master's degree is suitable both for students who wish to go into research and for those interested in clinical practice, in the following areas: Assisted Reproduction in Humans and Animals, Embryology, Genetics of Reproduction, Genetics of Cancer, Clinical Cytogenetics, Evolutionary Cytogenetics and Radiobiology.

Basic skills

  • Use acquired knowledge as a basis for originality in the application of ideas, often in a research context.
  • Solve problems in new or little-known situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
  • Integrate knowledge and use it to make judgements in complex situations, with incomplete information, while keeping in mind social and ethical responsibilities.
  • Communicate and justify conclusions clearly and unambiguously to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Continue the learning process, to a large extent autonomously.

Specific skills

  • Identify the cellular and molecular bases of human pathologies linked to chromosome anomalies.
  • Recognise the cellular and molecular bases of reproduction in mammals.
  • Apply the basic tools of statistical analysis in cytogenetics and reproductive biology.
  • Interpret, resolve and report on clinical cases or scientific findings in the area of the master's degree.
  • Interpret chromosome changes linked to evolutionary processes that formed the human karyotype (Specialisation in Cytogenetics).
  • Identify and take into account the genetic, epigenetic and hormonal changes involved in the development of cancer in pursuit of a correct diagnosis and prognosis (Specialisation in Cytogenetics).
  • Recognise the origin of infertility in humans in order to recommend the appropriate assisted reproduction treatment (Specialisation in Reproductive Biology).
  • Design and execute analysis protocols in the area of the master's degree.
  • Identify the ethical dilemmas and apply current laws governing the area of knowledge of the master's degree.
  • Organise and manage research laboratories and clinical laboratories in the area of knowledge of the master's degree.

Cross-curricular skills

  • Apply knowledge of theory in both research and clinical care contexts.
  • Apply the scientific method and critical reasoning to problem solving.
  • Design experiments, analyse data and interpret findings.
  • Use and manage bibliography or ICT resources in the master's programme, in one's first language and in English.
  • Respect ethical principles in one's work.
  • Use creative, organisational and analytic skills when taking decisions.
  • Show an ability to work in teams and interact with professionals from other specialist areas.