Master of Science : Translational Research Curriculum

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

BST 463 Introduction to Biostatistics
This course is an introduction to the ideas and techniques of statistical analysis with an emphasis on applications in the health sciences. Practical application rather than theoretical development of statistical methods is the focus here, and very little mathematical background (beyond high school algebra) is assumed. However, we will emphasize important ideas and concepts underlying the methods and not just statistical “recipes” (and software).

BST 464 Statistical Methods for Biomedical Applications
Topics covered will be: 1-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) the model, assumptions, interpretation, transformations, contrasts, multiple comparisons; Simple linear regression the model, parameter estimation, confidence intervals, prediction intervals, outliers, leverage, influential points: Multiple regression interpretation, collinearity, simultaneous hypothesis testing, multiple and partial correlation, model selection, checking assumptions; analysis of covariance indicator variables, interactions: 2-way ANOVA main and interaction effects crossed vs. nested factors, fixed vs random effects, intraclass correction, expected mean squares

IND 503 Ethics in Research
To appreciate the importance of applying ethical principles to the conduct of biomedical research, to understand the basic framework of guidelines, rules and regulations which exist to assess ethical issues arising in biomedical research and to acquire a set of basic biomedical ethics resources to apply to biomedical research.

PM 415 Principles of Epidemiology
PM 415 Introduction to Epidemiology is intended to provide an overview of concepts dealing with the study of the distribution of diseases and their causes in populations. It will define epidemiologic terms, introduce methods used to describe diseases in populations, provide an overview of ways to determine the causes of disease, and apply epidemiologic principles to the evaluation of preventive and therapeutic interventions. This will be carried out by lecture presentations supported by laboratory problems and small group discussions.

PM 417 Molecular Epidemiology
Using the same paradigm as traditional epidemiology, this course will explore the opportunities for the use for in-creasingly powerful biologic markers of exposure, disease, or susceptibility to provide high resolution answers in relation to the causes of disease. The course will focus on the practice of molecular epidemiology, as an inter-disciplinary science, and the use of biologic markers to advance our knowledge about health and disease among groups of people in a manner that is appropriate for inference to larger populations.

PM 438 Practical Skills in Grant Writing
This course is intended to provide the trainee interested in an investigative career in the life sciences with practical skills related to procuring external support for research. The course content includes a variety of didactic lectures on grant-related topics, discussion sessions with the opportunity to examine grants that others have written, examination of tools and resources available to assist in grant writing, and the opportunity to write a grant application for the support of the student’s own research project and have it critiqued. At the end of the course, the enrollee should be able to write a research grant application.

PM 462 Laboratory Methods for Translational Research
Translational research will usually involve a number of different laboratory measures, some routine and some cutting-edge, so that a general familiarity with laboratory issues is important for anyone involved in clinical and translational research. This course will explain the basis of commonly-used laboratory technologies and some general principles of setting up and evaluating lab tests. While it is not possible to become expert at any particular technology through a didactic course, we expect that students who complete this course will have more productive interactions with lab personnel because of their increased knowledge of laboratory science.

PM 476 RCTRC Lecture Series
A weekly seminar series for the Rochester Clinical Translational Research Curriculum participants. This series will include presentations from UR training mentors, guest lecturers, experts in technological innovations in clinical research, as well as trainee presentations.

PM 478 Workshop in Scientific Writing
The Workshop in Scientific Communication focuses on science writing and poster creation as well as issues related to public relations and publication in scientific and medical journals. The first five weeks focus on science writing. Students will have their writing reviewed and critiqued, and will be expected to rewrite material. Classes will focus on how students can become effective and accurate science and medical writers. Strategies will be provided to reduce the difficulty many students face with writing assignments.

PM 488 Experimental Therapeutics
This course is designed for individuals interested in the process for identifying novel interventions for disease processes and for their eventual introduction into humans. An approximate timeline with specific topics to be covered is as follows:

ELECTIVE

Three electives are required; students may choose electives from among all courses offered at the School of Medicine.

RESEARCH

Mentored Research Experience to culminate in research paper suitable for publication.