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Vicki Ellingrod

Translational science is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and populations. In this course, you’ll learn about the role of translational research in moving scientific discoveries into applications for improving human health. With an understanding of the four stages of translational research, you’ll be able to assess team roles for each stage and explain the importance of rigorous research, responsible conduct of research, and the differences between them. Finally, you’ll learn about career opportunities within the in-demand field of translational research.

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Translational science is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and populations. In this course, you’ll learn about the role of translational research in moving scientific discoveries into applications for improving human health. With an understanding of the four stages of translational research, you’ll be able to assess team roles for each stage and explain the importance of rigorous research, responsible conduct of research, and the differences between them. Finally, you’ll learn about career opportunities within the in-demand field of translational research.

This is an ideal introduction for undergraduate or graduate students interested in the practical application of their research to improve the health of their community.

This is the first course of five in the “Translational Science” series.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
The Introduction to Translational Science course provides you with an overview of the spectrum of translational research. You will learn important terminology and concepts to use as you practice setting career goals for translational research. This week you will learn how to 1) define translational research and its role in moving scientific discoveries into applications for improving human health, 2) list the stages of translational research and describe specific examples of research conducted at each stage.
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Week 2
Welcome to Week 2 of Introduction to Translational Science. This week you will learn how to 1) name the seven fundamental characteristics of a translational scientist, 2) identify team roles for research conducted in each stage of translational science, and 3) explain the importance of rigorous research.
Week 3
Welcome to Week 3 of Introduction to Translational Science. This week you will learn how to... 1) understand the importance of diversity in assembling your research team, 2) explain the importance of mentoring in conducting translational research.
Week 4
Welcome to Week 4 of Introduction to Translational Science. This week you will learn how to 1) give examples of strategies to address issues related to health disparities and inequities in translational research, 2) identify career opportunities in translational research.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops a strong foundation in translational science for beginners
Teaches the four stages of translational research
Examines the importance of diverse research teams
Highlights career opportunities in translational research

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Translational Science with these activities:
Volunteer at a research institution
Gain practical experience and contribute to ongoing research projects.
Browse courses on Hands-on Experience
Show steps
  • Identify research institutions or organizations involved in translational science.
  • Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in research activities, assist with data collection, or engage in outreach initiatives.
Attend virtual lectures
Listen and learn from a subject matter expert to reinforce understanding and deepen knowledge.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for upcoming virtual lectures related to the course topics.
  • Attend the lectures and actively participate in Q&A sessions.
  • Review and take notes on the key concepts discussed.
Participate in online forums
Engage with peers to exchange ideas and reinforce understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify and join online forums related to translational science.
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights.
  • Respond to other participants' questions and provide support.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Practice team role applications
Refine skills by practicing the different roles involved in translational science.
Browse courses on Team Dynamics
Show steps
  • Identify the different team roles discussed in the course.
  • Develop a mock research project and assign team roles.
  • Practice carrying out the responsibilities of each team role.
Develop infographics or videos
Enhance understanding by creating visually engaging materials that explain key concepts.
Browse courses on Visual Communication
Show steps
  • Identify key concepts and topics from the course materials.
  • Develop visuals, such as infographics, animations, or videos, to illustrate the concepts.
  • Share the visuals with others to educate and raise awareness about translational science.
Lead a study group
Strengthen understanding by teaching and explaining concepts to others.
Show steps
  • Summarize key concepts and prepare discussion points based on course materials.
  • Lead a study group and guide discussions among participants.
  • Answer questions and provide insights to enhance understanding.
Design a research proposal
Apply knowledge of translational science to create a research proposal to deepen understanding of the process.
Browse courses on Research Proposal
Show steps
  • Identify a research problem and develop a hypothesis.
  • Conduct a literature review to support the hypothesis.
  • Design a research methodology and outline the expected outcomes.
  • Write a research proposal including an abstract, introduction, methods, results (expected), discussion, and references.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Translational Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
As a Research Scientist, you would work on broad objectives that could lead to new scientific discoveries or the creation of commercial products. The Introduction to Translational Science course teaches the fundamentals of the discipline, from defining translational research and its role in moving scientific discoveries into applications for improving human health, to listing the stages of translational research and describing specific examples of research conducted at each stage. These are essential if you wish to be a Research Scientist.
Clinical Research Associate
In this role, you would work closely with investigators, study coordinators, and other members of the research team to ensure that clinical research studies are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and regulations. Introduction to Translational Science can give you a solid foundation for this work, as you learn about the importance of diversity in assembling your research team, explain the importance of mentoring in conducting translational research, and give examples of strategies to address issues related to health disparities and inequities in translational research.
Healthcare Consultant
In this role, you would advise healthcare organizations on how to improve their operations and patient care. Understanding the principles of translational science can be highly valuable in this work, as the course teaches you how the role of translational research in moving scientific discoveries into applications for improving human health. It also covers rigorous research and the responsible conduct of research, all of which are essential for a successful Healthcare Consultant.
Science Writer
In this role, you would write about scientific topics for a variety of audiences, including the general public, scientists, and policymakers. Introduction to Translational Science can be an excellent starting point for a Science Writer, as you will learn about the spectrum of translational research, understand important terminology and concepts, and learn how to set career goals for translational research.
Health Policy Analyst
In this role, you would analyze health policy issues and make recommendations to policymakers. A course in translational research can be highly useful in this role, as it teaches the importance of understanding the role of translational research in moving scientific discoveries into applications for improving human health. It also covers important topics such as the seven fundamental characteristics of a translational scientist, and strategies to address issues related to health disparities and inequities in translational research.
Medical Writer
As a Medical Writer, you would create and edit medical content, such as journal articles, patient education materials, and marketing materials. Introduction to Translational Science may be useful, as it provides an overview of the spectrum of translational research and teaches important terminology and concepts.
Epidemiologist
In this role, you would investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. An understanding of translational research can be useful in this work, as the course covers topics such as the importance of diversity in assembling your research team, and strategies to address issues related to health disparities and inequities in translational research.
Project Manager
As a Project Manager, you would oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. The Introduction to Translational Science course may be useful if you wish to work in a healthcare setting, as it provides an overview of the spectrum of translational research and teaches important terminology and concepts.
Laboratory Technician
As a Laboratory Technician, you would conduct experiments, analyze data, and maintain laboratory equipment. The Introduction to Translational Science course is an excellent starting point for someone who wishes to work as a Laboratory Technician, as it teaches the fundamentals of the discipline, including important terminology and concepts, the stages of translational research, and specific examples of research conducted at each stage.
Biostatistician
In this role, you would use statistical methods to analyze data and solve problems in the field of healthcare. While the Introduction to Translational Science course is not directly related to the role of a Biostatistician, it does teach important concepts such as the stages of translational research and the importance of rigorous research, which can be useful in this field.
Public Health Educator
As a Public Health Educator, you would develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. The Introduction to Translational Science course may be useful, as it provides an overview of the spectrum of translational research and teaches important terminology and concepts.
Health Communication Specialist
In this role, you would develop and implement communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. An understanding of translational research can be useful in this work, as the course covers topics such as the importance of diversity in assembling your research team, and strategies to address issues related to health disparities and inequities in translational research.
Health Economist
In this role, you would use economic principles to analyze health care issues and make recommendations to policymakers. Introduction to Translational Science may be useful, as it provides an overview of the spectrum of translational research and teaches important terminology and concepts.
Operations Research Analyst
In this role, you would use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in the field of healthcare. While the Introduction to Translational Science course is not directly related to the role of an Operations Research Analyst, it does teach important concepts such as the stages of translational research and the importance of rigorous research, which can be useful in this field.
Patient Advocate
In this role, you would represent the interests of patients and their families in healthcare settings. The Introduction to Translational Science course may be useful, as it provides an overview of the spectrum of translational research and teaches important terminology and concepts.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Translational Science .
Valuable reference on the ethical and responsible conduct of research. It is highly recommended for individuals seeking to strengthen their understanding of research ethics and integrity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of clinical research, including its history, principles, and methods. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of internal medicine, including its history, principles, and methods. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about this field.
Provides a practical guide to the conduct of clinical research. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about this field.
Explores the importance of diversity in clinical trials, aligning with the course's emphasis on addressing health disparities and inequities in translational research.
Serves as a useful guide for individuals seeking to obtain funding for translational research projects. It provides practical advice on developing and writing compelling grant applications.
Explores the principles and practices of effective team science, which is essential for successful translational research. It provides valuable insights for individuals working in collaborative research settings.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of translational research on human health. It explores the successes, challenges, and opportunities in translating scientific discoveries into effective treatments and interventions.

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