Intended learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students): 

He objective is to introduce students to translational and clinical research. Specifically, students will learn how basic and clinical research laboratories in FM and other research institutions are developing projects that apply discoveries in basic science and apply that in the development of solutions to medical problems. At the end of this CU students will understand the importance of scientific based approach do develop new therapies, devices or medical methodologies in health care. Students will also be introduced to technology transfer, and clinical research, namely pre-clinical and clinical trials that evaluate if a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective to be used in medical practice.

Syllabus: 

Introduction to translational and clinical science:

• identification of unmet medical need;
• identification of therapeutic targets;
• identification of potential target pathways.

Preclinical trials and uses of animal models:

• suitability and limitations of in vitro tests;
• suitability and limitations of animal models;
• animal testing legislation.

Clinical trials: 

• design of clinical trials phases 1, 2 and 3;
• ethical Issues concerning clinical trials;
• legislation and regulation of clinical trials.

Technology transfer: protection and valuation of inventions.

Participation in research laboratories developing translation research projects; participation in clinical trial centres.