Introduction to Translational Research

Catalog description

This introductory course is designed for students interested in community-engaged research that improves human lives. Specifically, this course will instruct on translational research in the social and behavioral sciences. Translational research (TR) is the systematic movement of research findings into the development of interventions, practices and policies to improve human health and well-being, and also the use of knowledge derived from community/government interventions, practices and policies to inform research. TR is conducted in bi-directional stages, which include 1) basic discoveries, 2) feasibility studies, 3) efficacy studies, 4) effectiveness studies, and 5) population impact & policy. TR is utilized in careers in STEM and medicine, public health, social sciences, public policy, and beyond. The class will move through the 5 TR stages. Students will learn about each stage plus innovative research being done at each stage by the instructor and guest lecturers. Ethical considerations of working in communities will be discussed. Along the way, students will complete hands-on assignments that will help them become translational researchers in their own fields of study.