Fundamentals of Clinical Research (CSR651)

This course introduces students to the principles of research methodologies that are relevant to the study of health. The course will cover the basic concepts in formulating a research question, literature review, selection of study sample, research ethics and knowledge translation. The course will provide students the opportunity to develop a research question and undertake a structured literature review in preparation for developing, designing, and writing a clinical research proposal in their field of interest. This course also provides an overview of the core principles for the Good Clinical Practice (GCP), relevant regulations and legislation, and codes of ethics including ethical dilemmas, vulnerable populations, and research integrity.

Credit Hours : 3

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Develop a research question and refine it by examining the current literature by completing regular assignments and preparing a research proposal in own area of interest.
2. Describe the principles of Scientific Inquiry, the steps in Scientific Research, and Evidence-based medicine.
3. Perform a literature search and critically appraise the published scientific evidence by completing regular assignments and preparing a research proposal in own area of interest.
4. Apply the principles of good academic writing by completing regular assignments and preparing a research proposal in own area of interest.
5. Apply the principles of Good Clinical Practice.

Clinical Studies-I (CSR652)

The course will cover the principles and applications of clinical research design relevant to both observational studies and clinical trials. The research designs that will be discussed include cross-sectional studies, retrospective / prospective cohort studies, case-control studies, qualitative research methods and clinical trials. This course will also introduce students to the basics of the biostatistical tools used in clinical research, to enable students to understand concepts of population distribution, sampling, sample-size calculation, probability, data type and presentation, statistical inference, and hypothesis testing. Students will appreciate the various statistical approaches for statistical analyses according to study designs and learn to apply basic statistical methods using SPSS with reference to observational studies and clinical trials.

Credit Hours : 4

Prerequisites

• CSR651

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Evaluate the methods and application of observational studies in medicine.
2. Compare the methods and application of qualitative/mixed research studies in medicine.
3. Contrast the methods and application of database studies in medicine.
4. Explain the methods and application of clinical trials in medicine.
5. Describe the methods and application of basic statistical tools in medicine.

Clinical Studies-II (CSR653)

This course introduces students to the research methodology of diagnostic and prognostic testing, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, mathematical modeling techniques and translational research design. This course will also cover advanced statistical modelling techniques, such as linear and non-linear regression, Analysis of Variance and Survival Analysis, which will enable students to select appropriate methodological approaches and use the SPSS software for several advanced applications.

Credit Hours : 4

Prerequisites

• CSR651
• CSR652

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Evaluate the methods and application of translational and operational research in medicine.
2. Compare the methods and application of diagnostic and prognostic research in medicine.
3. Contrast the methods and application of various scientific reviews in medicine.
4. Explain the methods and application of mathematical modeling in medicine.
5. Describe the methods and application of advanced statistical tools in medicine.

Critical Analysis of Clinical Research (CSR654)

This course aims to equip learners with the skills to integrate the best available research evidence with their clinical experience and patient values to make informed decisions in clinical practice. Students will learn how to apply the principles of clinical reasoning, while formulating clinical queries into focused questions, and critique the scientific evidence. Learners will gain a clear understanding of the concepts of critical appraisal in clinical practice. They will have the opportunity to practice searching the evidence across different search databases. They will also be guided through suitable critical appraisal techniques to critically evaluate various clinical research studies, understand the strengths and weaknesses of their research designs, and present the critical appraisal to their peers for discussion and feedback.

Credit Hours : 3

Prerequisites

• CSR651
• CSR652
• CSR653

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Systematically identify, select and evaluate research methods and interpret research findings;
2. Discuss, apply, and evaluate the process of translating knowledge into action in a healthcare system.
3. Critically appraise and interpret research-based evidence at an advanced level;
4. Demonstrate critical awareness of complex statistical tests and concepts;
5. Present and communicate information about research evidence in written and oral forms to a range of audiences.

Research Design Practicum (CSR655)

This course provides students with the practical knowledge required to plan and undertake a clinical research project with close attention to the highest standards of ethics and Good Research Practices. Students will also gain detailed knowledge on planning and organizing their knowledge using methods of clinical research in written and oral formats. Students will be provided with the opportunity to present successive stages of their research protocol, including study design and proposed methods, and critique co-learners’ protocols.

Credit Hours : 3

Prerequisites

• CSR651
• CSR652
• CSR653

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Develop a proposed research question based on a critical review of the literature and justify appropriate research methodologies to address the research question;
2. Demonstrate critical awareness of the moral, ethical and legal responsibilities of clinical research;
3. Outline the breadth of statistical tests and evaluate their applicability to common research methodologies to a range of scientific data;
4. Collaborate and communicate effectively with research mentors, research project partners, and faculty supervisors on projects.

Clinical Research Teaching and Leadership (CSR656)

This elective course is offered to familiarize learners with the basic tenets of the theory and practice of clinical teaching to deliver effective education in evidence-based practice. The course is designed to introduce students to the core concepts and skills of teaching and learning in clinical settings. It will also allow students to realize the impact of clinical education research on both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.

Credit Hours : 4

Prerequisites

• CSR651
• CSR652
• CSR653
• CSR654
• CSR655

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Demonstrate proficiency in key teaching skills in clinical setting.
2. Demonstrate awareness of the key relevant learning theories and how they relate to clinical research teaching.
3. Undertake effective learning event design and evaluation of educational interventions;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes and effects of assessment in clinical education;
5. Foster leadership in clinical research and evidence-based practice.

External Elective (ECCT570)

General External Elective Rotation for last year clinical students. Students will learn from this rotation in the descipline of their choice.

Credit Hours : 4

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Demonstrate Organizational Skills By Arranging A Clinical Placement Of Their Choice And Take Responsibility For Undertaking Assigned Tasks In An Effective And Timely Manner
2. Demonstrate A High Level Of English Writing Skills, Capacity For Reflection And Learning In The Written Report.
3. Provide Evidence Of Self-Directed Learning Through The Development And Implementation Of A Written Learning Plan.
4. Show Active Involvement In The Specialty Of Their Choice And Take Responsibility For Undertaking Assigned Tasks In An Effective And Timely Manner

Internal Elective (ECCT579)

This course aims to offer students an opportunity to undertake a deeper exploration of, or study in any clinical discipline of personal interest as well as improve proficiency in clinical skills and provide exposure to more clinical experiences in preparation for Internship. Students will therefore be expected to document how they learn from the experience. In so doing they will be developing skills for self-directed learning and ongoing professional development.

Credit Hours : 4

Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

1. Demonstrate Organizational Skills By Arranging A Clinical Placement Of Their Choice And Take Responsibility For Undertaking Assigned Tasks In An Effective And Timely Manner
2. Demonstrate A High Level Of English Writing Skills And Capacity For Reflection And Learning In The Written Report.
3. Provide Evidence Of Self-Directed Learning Through The Development And Implementation Of A Written Learning Plan.
4. Show Active Involvement In The Specialty Of Their Choice And Take Responsibility For Undertaking Assigned Tasks In An Effective And Timely Manner