PhD course: Sperm quality evaluation

• Course Name: Sperm Quality Evaluation
• Syllabus approved: 2018
• Number of credits: 2 credits (one week course plus preparation and assignment)
• Subject (according to SLUkurs):  Animal Science/Biology
• Part of research school: GMS-VH
• Education cycle: Third
• Marking scale: Passed / Failed
• Prerequisites:  Students should be admitted to a postgraduate program in animal science, biology, veterinary medicine, food science, nutrition, nursing, or related subjects, or to a residency program in veterinary science 

Objective

After completing the course the student shall:

1. Be able to describe what sperm quality is and to explain the different methods for evaluating it;
2. Have the capacity to explain the methods behind the different assays; to understand the shortcomings of each; to evaluate the relevance of the output from such assays; to determine the suitability of the sample for its intended purpose, taking into account the animal species; to communicate the results of the evaluation to the animal owner.
3. Having acquired or further developed a set of competences, the student will be able to identify particular challenges within andrology and decide how to deal with them; be able to advise others on interpreting the results and the appropriate action to take; be able to contribute to a discussion on development of more appropriate methods of assessment in the future.

Content

The course covers the following fields: the concept of sperm quality, what it is and why it is needed in different situations; how it is evaluated from basic field laboratory to advanced research setting; how it is used for different species; pitfalls in sperm quality evaluation; how it can be improved in the future. There will be a series of tutor-led lectures, workshops and practical sessions.

Literature: To be decided prior to course start. 

Examination: Active course attendance and fulfilling criteria for the written assignment.

Additional information: There will be a pre-course assignment consisting of reading the literature to prepare an oral presentation summarizing a particular method of sperm quality evaluation to the other students at the start of the course, plus a written critical evaluation of this method in the light of what they have learnt on the course

Responsible department: Division of Reproduction in conjunction with KV-lab

Location: SLU, Ultuna

Programme

Monday

9.30-10:00          Arrival and housekeeping

10.00-10:30        Introduction to Sperm Quality Evaluation

10:30-12:00        Participant presentations (compulsory for students wanting credits)

12:00-13:00        Lunch (not provided)

13:00-13:30        Spermatogenesis and factors affecting sperm quality

13:30-14:00        Male-based factors affecting sperm quality

14:00-14:30        Sperm handling factors affecting sperm quality

15:00-16:00        Encapsulation of bovine sperm

16:00-16:30        Techniques for improving sperm quality in cattle breeding

Tuesday

9:00-10:00          Light and fluorescence microscopy methods

10:30-11:00        CASA

11:00-12:00        Flow cytometry

12:00-13:00        Lunch (not provided)

13:00-16:00        Practical session (group rotation; 1/3 participants in each group. I) CASA, concentration, light microscopy; ii) fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy; iii) flow cytometry

Wednesday

9:00-10:00          Binding assays: zona intact, zona-free; viteline yolk membrane; oviducts

10:30-11:15        IVF

11:15-12:00        Fertility index and genetics in cattle breeding

12:00-13:00        Lunch (not provided)

13:00-16:00        Practical session (group rotation; 1/3 participants in each group

18:00     Social event

Thursday

9:00-11:30          Practical aspects of sperm quality in animal breeding and human fertility treatment:

Human fertility treatment

Animals (Cattle, pigs, horses, small animals)

11:30-12:00        Can we improve sperm quality? 

12:00-13:00        Lunch (not provided)

13:00-16:00        Practical session (group rotation; 1/3 participants in each group

Friday

9:00-12: 00         Morphology evaluation demonstration (lab personnel)

12:00-13:00        Lunch (not provided)

13:00-13:30        Seminal plasma and its effects on fertility

13:30 – 14:00     Effect of bacteria on sperm quality during storage

14:00-14:30        Pitfalls in sperm quality assessment

15:00-15:45        Round table

15:45-16:00        Course evaluation; farewell