Clinical & Translational Science Curriculum
The CTS Graduate Program curriculum is designed to introduce students to all phases and components of the research process.
Didactic Coursework
All students take core courses in:
- Study design
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Scientific writing
- Ethics and responsible conduct of research
They also attend a weekly seminar that includes faculty research talks, journal clubs, and more.
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MS and PhD students take electives that may include instruction in clinical trials, advanced statistical methods, predictive modeling, decision analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, health services research, and other research methods.
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In addition to the core courses, Certificate students take courses in clinical trials and health services research.
Mentored Research
All CTS students complete a clinical research or translational science project. Projects are determined by a student’s interest and available mentorship.
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PhD students are expected to undertake a thesis project that will represent a novel and substantial contribution to the chosen field of endeavor. The thesis hypothesis and subsequent work must be explicitly self-initiated and independent with guidance from mentors. Generally, the thesis is expected to result in at least three publishable manuscripts for PhD students. The thesis project is overseen by at least three mentors who make up the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).
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MS students are expected to undertake a thesis project that will represent a novel and substantial contribution to the chosen field of endeavor. The thesis hypothesis and subsequent work must be explicitly self-initiated and independent with guidance from mentors. Generally, the thesis is expected to result in at least one publishable manuscript for MS students. The thesis project is overseen by at least three mentors who make up the student’s Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).
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Certificate students complete a brief final research project. The outcome of the research project is determined by the student and mentor(s) and may result in an abstract, protocol, proposal, or publishable manuscript/brief report.
Qualifying Exam
All PhD students complete a PhD Qualifying Exam after their first year. The exam ensures that students are ready to embark on their thesis research and involves:
- A written general competency exam
- An original written study protocol
- An oral presentation in front of faculty examiners
Research Presentations
All students present their research in progress at least once per semester during their study design class, where they get feedback from faculty and fellow students.
At the annual CTS Graduate Program Symposium in May, non-graduating MS and PhD students and CTS Certificate students present their research as poster presentations, while graduating MS and PhD students orally present their thesis research. In addition to the oral symposium presentation, graduating MS and PhD students orally defend their theses.