Fundamentals of Clinical and Translational Science (FunCaTS)

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of the patients we serve? Do you care about effectively translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice?

Clinical and translational science is the process of translating laboratory discoveries into actionable clinical interventions that can improve the health of communities. Fundamentals of Clinical and Translational Science (FunCaTS) is the perfect way to introduce yourself to these concepts and learn what it takes to be a successful clinical and translational professional.

This course is delivered asynchronously, allowing you to engage with the materials at your own pace and on your timeline. You can complete the FunCaTS course in approximately four hours. It is divided into 13 modules.

FunCaTS is free for internal and external learners. Learn how to register below.

Intended audience

FunCaTS has enrolled learners from around the world at various stages of professional development. This course is specially tailored to:

  • Undergraduate, postbaccalaureate and medical school students.
  • Learners in a fellowship or residency.
  • Faculty.
  • Those interested in lifelong learning.

We have welcomed healthcare practitioners, researchers, investigators and scientists. We hope to add to that list over time as our accessible course expands to reach a wider audience.

Curriculum

Course director: Nathan P. Staff, M.D., Ph.D.

Course outcomes

  • Identify and describe the clinical and translational science process.
  • Describe clinical and translational science's impact on clinical practice, including the social and ethical context.
  • Explain clinical and translational science methodologies.

Course outline

  • Introduction to Clinical and Translational Research — Anthony J. Windebank, M.D.
  • Developing a Research Question — Jon O. Ebbert, M.D.
  • Research Approaches for Collecting Scientific Evidence — Walter A. Rocca, M.D., M.P.H.
  • Introduction to Study Design — Dr. Rocca
  • How To Write a Research Proposal — Dr. Ebbert
  • Principles of Human Subjects Research — Jessica R. Hirsch, M.A.
  • Statistics — Felicity T. Enders, Ph.D.
    • Basic Principles
    • Questions Statisticians Ask
    • What are Confidence Intervals and P-Values?
    • Statistical Errors and How to Avoid Them
    • Using Statistics as You Read the Literature
  • An Overview of Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) — Joyce Balls-Berry, Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine
  • Responsible Conduct of Research — Richard Sharp, Ph.D.
  • Why is Clinical and Translational Science Important? — David O. Warner, M.D.

Registration

Here's how to register:

  • Mayo Clinic employees (internal learners). Log in to the Mayo Clinic network and navigate to My Learning. Search for course code 502E00FCTS0000.
  • External learners. Complete the registration form to begin the enrollment process.

Note: Internal learners who complete FunCaTS through the external process will not receive credit in My Learning.

Contact

Direct questions to the CCaTS workforce team.