Hands-on technical mastery
Leave with stronger practical confidence and a clearer understanding of how to troubleshoot real lab problems.
Transgenics
Mouse Embryo and Spermatozoa Cryopreservation
A four-day, hands-on course in mouse embryo and sperm cryopreservation. Learn the techniques used to preserve, recover and manage valuable mouse lines, including cryopreservation, in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer.
- Transgenics
- 4 days
- Availability
- Register interest
- Cost
- £1800
- Duration
- 4 days
Course Overview
Cryopreservation allows long-term storage of embryos and sperm, providing a convenient way to preserve, protect and transport mouse lines for use in research. Archiving scientifically relevant mouse lines also adheres to good animal welfare practices by removing the need for continued animal breeding and is integral to any comprehensive colony management programme.
Running bi-annually since 2004, this course provides practical experience in murine embryo and spermatozoa freezing techniques routinely used at MRC Harwell and a simple, robust in vitro fertilisation procedure. The course will also cover the basic laboratory skills required when working in an assisted reproductive biology environment such as pipetting, weighing, microscope use, and embryo handling.
Cost is inclusive of accommodation.
Who is this for?
- Researchers
- Senior animal technicians
- PhD students
Includes
- Practical experience of sperm harvesting and freezing/thawing
- A clear understanding to set up and in vitro fertilisation session using both frozen and freshly harvested sperm
- Practical experience of oocyte and embryo harvesting for in vitro fertilisation and embryo freezing, respectively
- Practical experience of embryo cryopreservation/thawing using a simple vitrification method
- An understanding of surgical embryo transfer, including some practical experience of pre-operative aseptic techniques and sub-cuticular suturing
- Practical experience of non-surgical embryo transfer techniques
- An understanding of the current methods used for handling and shipping samples and managing a cryo-archive, as well as an overview of blastocyst genotyping
Course details
Where
This course takes place at Advance, Harwell. You will be working in dedicated training spaces designed for practical scientific learning.
Format
This is a 4 days practical course built around active participation, demonstrations, and supervised technical work.
Level
Suitable for learners who want to translate scientific knowledge into stronger practical capability.
Cost
Course fee: £1800. Contact the team if you need help exploring funding or team bookings.
What You Will Take Away
The course is designed to give learners practical outcomes they can carry back into their own work immediately.
The practical experience was so useful and much better than just being talked at.
Current methods and emerging practice
Build capability that reflects how active researchers and technical teams are working now.
Confidence to work independently
Apply what you learn immediately, supported by materials, recordings, and follow-on guidance.
In Their Own Words
Next
Build on Your Foundation
Deepen your skills with related courses
Wed 18 Nov 2026
Wed 20 Jan 2027
Wed 7 Apr 2027
Wed 15 Sep 2027
Wed 24 Nov 2027
1 day
A hands-on introduction to essential laboratory techniques at Advance, Harwell. Build confidence in safe laboratory working, equipment use, pipetting, reagent preparation and good laboratory...
Alex Hardgrave
Mon 30 Nov 2026
Mon 26 Apr 2027
Mon 16 Aug 2027
Mon 29 Nov 2027
Mouse Necropsy
£400
1 day
A hands-on introduction to mouse necropsy. Learn how to perform a standard mouse necropsy, identify and record gross pathological findings, and gain confidence in...
Maz Yon
Five days 22 Feb 2027
5 days
A five-day workshop on the effective use of mouse models in biomedical research at Advance, Harwell. Learn how to select, design and manage genetically...
Michelle Stewart
Questions
What should I bring?
Bring a notebook and any device you regularly use for work. We provide the equipment and materials needed for the practical sessions.
Is prior experience required?
The course is designed for learners who want to build or deepen practical capability. If you are unsure about your level, contact us and we can advise.
Do you offer group bookings?
Yes. We can discuss group bookings, scheduling, and practical requirements for teams or organisations.
Ready to Advance Your Practice?
Secure your place or register your interest today