Program Overview
Clinical research is a type of healthcare science that emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of medical, diagnostic, and treatment regimens intended for human use. Clinical Research professionals work in a variety of settings, including private practice, public and private academic institutions, research organizations, and pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research program support healthcare investigators conducting human clinical trials that improve overall clinical practice and quality of life.
The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research curriculum includes courses in pathophysiology, human subject protection, clinical research administration, regulatory guidelines, research ethics, and data collection and management. Course work will include research papers, oral and written presentations, group projects, senior capstone, as well as core theological courses. The Clinical Research program of study also includes an internship in the clinical research setting that prepares students for future careers in research and provides clinical hours that can be applied to certification requirements.
The curriculum design is consistent with the Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word in providing students with a program that encompasses theological and scientific learning to improve quality of life. Graduates of the program will be culturally diverse and knowledgeable and able to integrate the core values of the University of the Incarnate Word into professional practice. The Clinical Research program provides an educational foundation needed to bridge the gap between job performance and professional expertise. Program graduates, through coursework and internships, are provided the core competencies and research experience necessary for entry-level clinical research positions.
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research Degree Plan
The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research degree program is to increase the number of qualified Clinical Research Associates to meet the demands for educationally trained individuals competent in clinical research and regulatory compliance.The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research program responds to this need with a curriculum that includes competencies developed by The Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency.
These competencies include:
—Scientific Concepts and Research Design
—Ethical Participant Safety and Considerations
—Medicines Development and Regulation
—Clinical Trials Operations
—Study and Site Management
—Data Management and Informatics
—Leadership and Professionalism
—Communication and Teamwork
Upon completion of the Clinical Research program, graduates will be able to
—Demonstrate a basic knowledge of scientific concepts related to research methodologies described in study protocols with emphasis on design and analysis of clinical trials, and regulatory compliance.
—Apply aspects of human subject protection, ethical considerations and safety in the care and oversight of subjects participating in clinical trials.
—Describe the process for development and regulation of drugs, devices, and biologicals.
—Develop project management plans for the compliance, safety management, and handling of investigational products.
—Conduct a comprehensive site(s) evaluation for compliance and operational requirements.
—Design appropriate data management plans emphasizing varied data collection methods, security and quality control.
—Demonstrate appropriate data collection methods to ensure participant anonymity and data integrity.
—Critically appraise and synthesize existing literature for the development of research protocols, manuscripts and final reports.
—Demonstrate competency in scientific writing and in preparation and delivery of oral presentations for research findings.
—Implement principles and practice of leadership and professionalism in clinical research to interact effectively as an entry-level clinical research professional.
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
| UIW Core Curriculum |
| Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
| Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
| Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
| History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
| Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
| Second Language |
6 credit hours |
| Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
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43 total core credit hours |
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| Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Program Core Coursework
Note: Given that students may be drawn from other undergraduate health majors, all support courses (CHEM, PSYC, and NUTR) and Core courses must meet the minimum levels established; however, substitutions will be individually assessed.
Support Coursework
Writing Literacy Coursework
| ENGL 2365 | Professional and Technical Communication | 3 |
| HCSC 2250 | Medical Terminology and Documentation | 2 |
| RSCH 1100 | Introduction to Information Literacy | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Elective Coursework
Elective coursework must be selected to meet the 120 credit hour program requirement.
Total Credit Hours: 120