Basic Semen Analysis Non-credit
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start date2025/26 dates are TBCDuration5 days
- AwardNon-credit bearing
- Entry requirementsBasic laboratory skills.
- Fees (UK/Ireland)To be confirmed
Page contents
Course overview
The course is designed to ensure correct foundation knowledge and skills for achieving accurate semen analysis according to the latest WHO manual and ISO 23162:2021. It is an international course which has run for over two decades.
Course delivery
After attending the course you should be able to:
- To learn basic terminology and outline of male reproductive physiology
- To understand clinical aspects of semen analysis including definitions and use of thresholds
- To conduct a basic semen analysis, comprising:
- Making a wet preparation
- Examining a wet preparation
- Assessing sperm count/concentration
- Assessing sperm morphology
- Assessing sperm motility
- Assessing sperm vitality
- To gain an appreciation of wider sperm tests.
Two persons from each laboratory - one with clinical responsibility (“supervisor”) and one engaged in practical laboratory work (“technician”) - are encouraged to participate in the course, but we are happy to also accept individual lab members.
You will receive a certificate of completion from the Centre of Human Reproductive Science. The course is examined so those passing the exam receive a further certificate of achieving a pass.
Teaching staff

Professor Jackson C. Kirkman-Brown MBE
Professor in Reproductive Biology
Staff profile of Professor Jackson-Kirkman Brown, Professor in Reproductive Biology in the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science (MSS), University of Birmingham

Dr Meurig Thomas Gallagher
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Healthcare Science
Staff profile for Dr Meurig Gallagher, School of Mathematics and Department of Metabolism and Systems Science (MSS), University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
The course is taught and examined in English, so attendees should be able to communicate with reasonable scientific fluency in English.
People attending the course should also have basic laboratory skills as a minimum, some prior experience at handling semen is preferred (and if lacking should be flagged to the team at registration).
The practicals involve handling unscreened human semen. As such prior immunisation for Hep B is recommended and is the responsibility of the registrant and their employer.
Fees and scholarships
- TBC
Fee to be confirmed - please check back later in the year for fee confirmation.
Application process
Bookings for this course will open shortly.
For any further questions please email: cmhcpdenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk