Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science (ICaTS)

The Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science (ICaTS) course covers foundational concepts in clinical and translational science, including its phases and historical context. Learners will gain an understanding of research ethics, regulatory requirements, study design and effective research communication. Key skills include developing research proposals, implementing evidence-based practice and disseminating research findings.

Intended audience

This course is appropriate for learners at any level of interest in clinical and translational science.

Curriculum

Course directors

Anthony J. Windebank, M.D., and Shruthi Naik, Ph.D.

Course outcomes

  • Describe the significance of clinical and translational science, differentiate between its various phases and spectrum, and recognize the historical and contemporary contexts that shape this field.
  • Recognize the ethical principles guiding clinical research, the role and responsibilities of the Institutional Review Board, and the regulatory landscape that governs clinical and translational studies.
  • Explain basic concepts in clinical trial design, biostatistics and epidemiology and describe how these principles apply to clinical and translational science.
  • Identify the components of a comprehensive research proposal, recognize the importance of clear research objectives and hypotheses, and outline strategies for recruiting and retaining study participants.
  • Outline how translational science findings are applied to clinical practice, summarize the process of implementing evidence-based interventions, and discuss the potential impacts on patient care and health outcomes.
  • Summarize strategies for effectively communicating research findings to different audiences, including scientific peers, healthcare professionals and the public, and explain the basic principles of dissemination and implementation science.

Course outline

The ICaTS online self-paced course is divided into six units:

  1. Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science
  2. Subjects and Participants in Translational Research
    • Ethical Considerations in Clinical Research
    • Regulatory Compliance and IRB Review
    • Participant Recruitment and Retention
  3. Quantitative Methodology in Translational Research
    • Quantitative Methodology in Translational Research (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
    • Basics of Bioinformatics
    • Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
  4. Critical Elements in Research Proposals
    • Clinical Trial Design and Methodology
    • Research Proposal Development
  5. Communicating Research
    • Scientific Communication and Dissemination of Research Findings (30 minutes)
    • Dissemination and Implementation Science
  6. Unique Attributes of Translational Research
    • Translational Research in Clinical Practice: Success and Value
    • Science of Team Science: Strategies for Success
    • Innovative Trends in Clinical and Translational Research

Registration

Visit the ICaTS Executive Education page to register for this course.

Mayo Clinic employees can visit our intranet site to find out about internal pricing. Users must be logged in to the Mayo Clinic network to access this intranet site.

Contact

Direct questions to the CCaTS Workforce Development team.