Global Clinical Research: The Process from Start to Finish
Play an active role in improving patient care worldwide.
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At a Glance
- Enrollment:
- Open Enrollment
- Length:
- 8 weeks
Gain an overview of principles and practices in clinical research from a global perspective.
The University of Chicago’s eight-week Global Clinical Research course focuses on the clinical trial process and phases— from study start-up to trial closeout. Upon completing the course, students will be equipped to apply their new knowledge and skills to thrive in a controlled and highly regulated work environment.
Designed For
Designed for healthcare, medical, and research professionals interested in starting or advancing their clinical research careers. A background in the life sciences is advisable.
Learning Objectives to Become a Clinical Trial Expert
The clinical research trial area is growing rapidly. Clinical trials are essential to making advances in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and medical conditions. Demand for professionals equipped with the right clinical trial-related skills is soaring. Learn the processes and global regulatory procedures necessary to bring medical devices, treatments, and vaccines to market.
After completing the course, you will be able to:
- Identify key terms and concepts of clinical research.
- Describe core ethical principles that ensure that the rights and safety of human subjects are protected.
- Examine the core principles and practices of clinical trials from a global perspective.
- Define the ethical principles that guide the informed consent document and process.
- Determine key factors that trigger a protocol amendment.
- Earn a credential certifying completion from the University of Chicago and become part of the UChicago network.
Demand for Experienced Clinical Trial Professionals is High
Register today and unite your professional practice with our distinctive blend of academic rigor and real-world application.
Enroll NowClinical Research Curriculum
You will learn to:
- Navigate the clinical trial process from study start-up to trial closeout.
- Explain the critical historical events that led to the globalized standardization of research conducted worldwide.
- Describe core ethical principles of clinical research to ensure that the rights and safety of human subjects are protected.
- Define the purpose of a clinical trial and develop standards for data collection and data quality to ensure data integrity.
- Employ key terms, concepts, and acronyms associated with clinical research to effectively communicate with key industry stakeholders.
Online Format Features
- Self-paced interactive learning modules with a variety of engaging learning activities, assignments, and resources.
- Live sessions that bring you, your peers, and your instructor together to learn collaboratively about the current state of the field, engage with real-world problems, and explore authentic solutions.
- Continuous support from your instructional assistant, who will accompany you on your journey through the content, answer your questions, and provide feedback on your work.
Weekly Course Schedule
Explore clinical research and the current landscape of the industry, the ethical framework that guides the conduct of clinical research, the historical events and importance of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in clinical research conducted around the world, how we protect the rights and safety of human subjects, and the need for globalized standards in clinical research.
Learn about the overall goals and types of clinical trials, the different phases of a clinical trial (Phase I, II, III, and IV), and ethical considerations in the design and execution of international clinical trials.
Learn to assess the characteristics of a good research question, examine the essential elements and significance of a clinical trial protocol, and determine key factors that trigger a protocol amendment.
Explore the ethical principles that guide the informed consent document and process, essential elements that should be included in the informed consent discussion and written informed consent, and challenges in the informed consent process.
Learn about the roles and responsibilities of clinical trial investigators, sponsors, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs). Examine key steps in planning and activating a clinical trial and the role of monitoring to ensure that a trial complies with international regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Examine the roles and responsibilities of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Independent Ethics Committees (IECs) concerning human subject research. Discover the role of Data Safety Monitoring Boards (DSMBs) and the regulations that guide them. Explore a real-world example of DSMB involvement in clinical trial oversight.
Learn about the importance of data collection and setting data quality standards for clinical research, developing strategies to ensure high-quality data, and analyzing critical data points and risk indicators.
Visualize the overall clinical trial timeline from start to finish and examine the importance of study closeout and results reporting.
Earn a Credential in Global Clinical Research
After successful completion of this course, participants will receive credentials certified by the University of Chicago including a digital badge to recognize their achievement.
Meet Your Instructor
Our highly trained instructors are courageous thinkers and passionate leaders who leverage years of industry expertise and up-to-date knowledge of terminology, tools, and trends to deliver an unparalleled learning experience. Through their rigorous discourse, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and field-shaping contributions, they create practical solutions and pioneering innovations that enrich our world.
This instructor teaches this course regularly. Please speak to your enrollment advisor if you wish to know who the current teacher is.
Lauren Wall, MSc
Senior Director, Cancer Clinical Trials Support Office at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lauren Wall is the senior director of the Cancer Clinical Research Support Office within the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Chicago Biological Sciences. Wall has over seventeen years of experience in Hematology/Oncology clinical research operations spanning industry and academic...
Career Outlook
The global clinical trials market—valued at 46.8 billion dollars—is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2022 to 2030. In this thriving field, key drivers like the globalization of clinical trials and new, personalized treatments continue to impact market growth while demand for skilled professionals widens the job market.
The average base pay for a clinical trial associate in the United States.
The number of clinical studies registered globally as of April 2024.
The expected value of the global clinical trials market in 2028.
Potential Job Titles for Clinical Research Professionals
- Analyst
- Clinical Operations Director
- Clinical Research Associate
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Clinical Research Manager
- Clinical Trial Assistant
- Clinical Trial Associate
- Data Manager
- Drug Safety Associate
- Research Nurse
How Do I Get Started?
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Complete the form on the registration page.
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Pay the tuition fee through our secure gateway.
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Receive a welcome email with your login information for the virtual campus.
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Gain access to the course content prior to the start date.
Of Interest
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