MMI Clinician Scientist Curriculum

The MMI Clinician Scientist Curriculum was launched in November 2010, with access via a secure web portal.

The purpose is to sustain the commitment to train clinician scientists in Ireland, building on the experience of delivering the MMI Clinician Scientist Fellowship Programme (CSFP; funded through PRTLI Cycle 4). To this end, a structured training curriculum has been developed for wider use.

In total there are over 60 graduate education modules available through the portal, provided by all the MMI partner institutions to address the topics of the clinician scientist curriculum. Please see below.

Medical graduates undertaking research studies in the MMI partner institutions and their research supervisors are invited to register to use the curriculum web portal.

If you are interested in participating, please contact
cs-curriculum@molecularmedicineireland.ie

Graduate education modules of particular relevance to clinician scientist trainees

The MMI Clinician Scientist Curriculum portal is offered as a resource that gathers together information on graduate education modules of particular relevance to clinician scientist trainees. It will be used to identify structured training that graduate students may wish to pursue in consultation with their research supervisors, and as part of existing institutional requirements with respect to taught module attendance and credits.

Students and supervisors can also identify modules taking place in other institutions that may be of interest. Applications to attend modules are processed by MMI and forwarded to the relevant contacts in each institution.

The intention is that the curriculum will offer key elements for a tailored structured training in clinical and translational research, undertaken by medical graduates in the medical schools of the MMI partner institutions: NUI Galway, RCSI, TCD, UCC and UCD.

 

MMI curriculum web portal

The resource below lists the graduate education modules currently available under the Clinician Scientist Structured PhD Curriculum topics; please click to reveal the modules available. This gives a flavour of the interactive web portal interface, which also provides comprehensive information on each module to registered users who can then express an interest to attend modules. Please contact MMI via cs-curriculum@molecularmedicineireland.ie to register to use the Clinician Scientist Curriculum web portal.

Core Topics

Research Skills
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • Student/supervisor perspective on the PhD process
  • Ethical issues in scientific research
  • Key aspects of research project design & management, including experimental design, how to maintain a laboratory book, and project management
  • The concept of intellectual property and its management
  • Online resources for information retrieval and the use of bibliographic software
Project Management, Experimental Design, Data Analysis
Description: This course will cover key aspects of project management, in addition to providing and understanding of key elements of good experimental design. Techniques used in the analysis of experimental data will also be reviewed.
Institution: NUI Galway
Research Methods & Statistical Analysis
Description: Being able to formulate appropriate research questions and steps to address them is a fundamental prerequisite for a career in research. This module explains the key elements of scientific method and basic research concepts, equipping scholars with the knowledge necessary to formulate ideas and testable hypotheses, test their vilidity, analyse and disseminate results.
Institution: RCSI
Postgraduate Essentials
Description: This module covers the areas of good research practice; health and safety; research ethics; keeping laboratory notebooks; performing calculations; intellectual property; journal clubs; writing, presentation and science in society skills; outreach activities.
Institution: RCSI
The PhD II: From Development to Completion
Description: This module guides students through mid-stage management techniques and introduces a variety of other practical sessions on networking and collaboration, web-design, writing and editing skills, poster design, research funding applications in Ireland and the EU. It provides introductions to additional software and examines issues relating to 'writing up and writer's block'. Finally, it provides guidance and training for the final stages of the PhD, including submission and preparation for the viva.
Institution: UCC
Graduate Information Literacy Skills
Description: The objective of this module is to give postgraduate students an introduction to the principles and practice of Information Literacy, as applied to PhD research; to enable postgraduate students to audit and update their skills by expanding and acquiring a portfolio of Information Literacy Skills; to develop those skills which will enhance the quality of their research and expand their career opportunities in our knowledge-based economy.
Institution: UCC
Introduction to Core Research Skills
Description: The module is delivered over a 5-day period in early October and covers:
  • Essential practices for effective and efficient laboratory-based research
  • Familiarisation with bibliographic and Internet tools
  • Communicating science
  • Intellectual Property
  • Health & safety
  • Graphic and presentation tools
  • Ethics in biomedical research
  • Personal effectiveness and professional development

Institution: UCD
Research Methods and Statistics for Health Professionals
Description: This module is designed for students undertaking research in the health and allied health professional area, particularly physiotherapists and radiographers. It introduces students the theoretical background that underpins informed research methods, research practice and statistical analysis, provide students with the theoretical and technical expertise to produce high quality research theses and advance individual practice.
Institution: UCD
Applied Research Methods & Data Management
Description: This module prepares students working or intending to work in a population health or clinical setting to undertake all elements of a research project from concept through design, implementation and analysis to interpretation and presentation of findings. The focus of this module is primarily on quantitative methods, though application to qualitative research is also possible.
Institution: UCD
Research Methods: Epidemiology
Description: This module will introduce the student to the research process concentrating on 'population' based studies. The basic descriptive statistics for a simple variable (e.g. means, medians, standard deviations, percentages) and for quantifying an association between two variables (e.g. mean differences, relative risks, odds ratios) will be discussed. Epidemiological study designs (sample surveys, cohort and case-control studies and the randomised control trial) will be described with emphasis on sources of bias and choosing appropriate effect measures. The meaning of causal relationships and the role of bias, confounding and chance in interpreting observed associations will be considered. The student will be introduced to the concepts underlying significance testing.
Institution: UCD
Writing, Publishing & Communication Skills
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • The nature of scientific journals (including rankings, impact factors, citation rates, etc) and the structure of a scientific paper
  • Principles of scientific writing
  • The scientific publication process from referees to proofs and beyond
  • How to review a manuscript
  • Presentation skills and the preparation of a good scientific presentation (oral and poster)
  • Writing grant proposals
  • Planning and writing a PhD thesis
Scientific Writing
Description: The aim of this module is to educate students about the rigours of scientific writing. Course-work is a mixture of lecture attendance and self-directed activities. 7-8 lectures provide the basics in writing style, publication process, grant writing, paper reviewing.
Institution: NUI Galway
STEPS ‐ Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies
Description: This module provides postgraduate students with an introduction to the principles and practice of scientific research, particularly through focusing on scientific writing and presentation skills. It uses case studies from the recent history of science to illustrate principles discussed.
Institution: UCC
Systematic Reviews for the Health Sciences
Description: The objective is to give postgraduate students an introduction to the principles and practice of systematic reviewing, as applied to their own PhD research. To develop knowledge and understanding of systematic reviewing methods, applied to the quantitative and qualitative health research literature.
Institution: UCC
Communication and Legal Issues
Description: This module focuses on communication between the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare professionals and patients. It examines the provision of information and educational and promotional activities within a pharmaceutical company. It covers the legal and ethical issues involved in the provision of product-related information both before and after licensing. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to undertake such activities in accordance with existing legislation and codes of practice.
Institution: TCD
Biostatistics
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • Overview of fundamental biostatistical methods
  • Key concept of variability and the statistical techniques used in applied medical research
  • Study design, analysing one and two sample problems (independent and dependent data) through interval estimation and hypothesis testing approaches, comparing three or more samples (analysis of variance)
  • Regression problems, survival analysis, logistic regression, sample size calculations.
MMI Course ‐ Introduction to Data Analysis
Description: This intensive 2-day course for researchers in biological and clinical science is designed to provide an overview of data types, simple statistical analysis techniques, and study design, with particular emphasis on the assumptions underlying these techniques.
Institution: MMI
Biostatistics Workshop
Description: The aim of this module is to provide participants with an overview of fundamental biostatistical methods, an understanding of the key concept of variability and a practical working knowledge of the statistical techniques they are likely to encounter in applied medical research. Each session includes lectures and computer based practical work.
Institution: NUI Galway
Clinical Investigation Methods
Description: The goal of this module is to teach students the core principles of experimental design and analysis. Specifically this Module will cover:
  • Study design
  • Power calculations
  • Sample size calculations
  • Data collection instruments
  • Validation of study design
  • Validation and QC of ongoing studies
  • Basic analysis strategies for clinical data
  • Statistical approaches
  • Significance analysis
  • Regression analysis
  • Survival analysis

Institution: UCD
Data Management for Clinical Research
Description: The goal of this module is to introduce students to key concepts in data management for clinical research. Specifically this module will:
  • introduce students to the importance of data management for clinical research
  • identify and evaluate source data
  • describe methodologies for collection of data
  • describe the creation of a data management plan for clinical research

Institution: UCD
Quantative and Qualitative Analysis
Description: The quantitative component will cover statistical methods with an emphasis on the techniques used in population-based research and the development of applicable skills.
Institution: UCD
Statistical Modelling and Survival Analysis
Description: This module will build on the above module 'Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis', concentrating on more advanced techniques employed in the analysis of epidemiological and medical research.
Institution: UCD
 Career Management and Leadership in Academic Medicine
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • Identifying opportunities in academic medicine and making informed decisions on career development
  • Interview skills
  • Career information from prominent clinician scientists
  • Identifying clinician scientist career mentors

Suitable Modules will be available in due course

Optional Topics

The Molecular Biology Behind the Disease
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic: Intensive series of molecular biology lectures with a strong translational research component including:
  • Introduction to molecular biology: DNA replication and recombination
  • Mutation and repair and human disease
  • Cell signaling mechanisms and disease
  • Infectious diseases: the biology of the host‐pathogen interaction
  • Control of gene expression and its relevance to human disease
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Description: The fundamentals of cell and molecular biology are provided during this   module. Topics include cell composition, structure of DNA and RNA, RNA transcription, protein synthesis, cell signaling, cell death.
Institution: NUI Galway
Cellular Biology & Cell Signalling Mechanisms
Description: The aim of this module is to give the student a broad overview of the structure and function of the mammalian cell and its organelles. It then explores the molecular basis for cellular mechanism such as the cell cycle and the apoptotic process. Study of the cytoskeleton and associated proteins will allow an understanding of cell-cell communication and intracellular signalling processes. The approach is to teach the mechanisms by which cells transmit extracellular signals from the surface receptors to the nucleus resulting in changes in gene expression.
Institution: TCD
Introduction to Genetics and Development
Description: This module consists of Introductory modules on basic processes in genetics as well as a short module on the genetics and cellular biology of development, an excellent system for the study of fundamental processes. Thus this will give coverage to the basic ideas of DNA replication, mutation and repair and the transcription and translation of the information encoded in the DNA into mRNA and protein. It has become increasingly clear that these are highly complex processes subject to tiers of regulatory intervention and some of the more recent discoveries relating to regulation of these processes, for example via microRNAs, will be discussed. The short course on developmental biology covers issues of cell fate and familiarises participants with the fundamentals of stem cell biology.
Institution: TCD
Molecular Oncology
Description: This module is a specialised or advanced module dealing with the subject of molecular oncology from a variety of perspectives. The basic components of carcinogenesis such as tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes are discussed, as are the contributions of important mechanisms such as inflammation and environmental exposures. However more and more is known about the altered genomics of cancer cells and aberrations of normal cellular processes such as signal transduction, and it is also becoming clear that while many events are frequently observed in different types of cancer, most if not all cancers have molecular events and programmes that are unique to each type. Thus this module also includes lectures that focus on important types of cancer, describing the molecular events known to contribute to the carcinogenic state.
Institution: TCD
Human Genetics
Description: This module consists of two components, one an introduction to Human molecular genetics and the other covering evolution and selection which is a basic tenet of modern biology with ramifications is all aspects of life sciences. The combined course will cover the basic elements of human population genetics from a molecular point of view. Many of the principles underlying the recent coming of age of disease genetics are discussed such as linkage and associated genetic mapping, basic structure and genetics of complex diseases. In the second component of the module, we discuss the evolution of the human race and molecular evolution of viruses for example HIV. This is essential to understand the structure of human populations around the globe and particular disease associations, while the molecular evolution of viruses and other pathogens is of central significance to global health.
Institution: TCD
Molecular and Cellular Immunology
Description: This module provides an oversight of the processes which mediate the immune systems response to pathogens. Thus it delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying the innate and adaptive immune responses, including the roles of B cells and T cells and recent advances into understanding the activities of specialises lineages of T cells. In depth coverage of intra and inter-cellular signalling is included. Intrinsic to the immune response is the inflammatory response which plays a critical role in human disease including degenerative diseases and autoimmune conditions.
Institution: TCD
Infectious Agents Biology & Clinical Implications
Description: A central theme in the interactions of modern health science is to better understand the modes of interaction of micro-organisms and the host. It has become clear in recent years that these interactions are highly specific and allow the micro-organism to manipulate its environment using molecular strategies. Equally the host has developed means of containing and eliminating organisms, many of which appear to be variable at a genetic level. The aim of this module is to investigate what is known regarding the specific mechanism by which these interactions occur and the key elements of the biology of major pathogenic organisms. It includes introductory lectures giving an overview of the area and important topics in current research and specific lectures covering, viral, bacterial and parasitic infections such as malaria.
Institution: TCD
Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease I & II
Description: This module explores the molecular pathology of a number of important human diseases. It therefore applies the knowledge gained in basic modules of genetics and cell signalling and applies this in a multifaceted investigation of molecular disease mechanisms. This topic, central to the aims of this course, is split into two modules, MMHD1 and MMHD2. MMHD1 covers individual and more disparate topics of both common and rare diseases, while MMHD2 covers a number of theme areas such as pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and neurobiology and neurological diseases. These modules will draw on student's knowledge of basic scientific processes in molecular and cellular biology.
Institution: TCD
Advanced Neuroimmunology
Description: This module focuses on bi-directional communication between the nervous and immune systems. Specific topics include: an introduction to the immune system; autonomic control of the immune system; stress, stress hormones and immune function; cytokine actions on the brain: central and peripheral sources; cytokines, aminergic neurotransmission and behaviour. This module also covers the role of neuroimmune processes in: synaptic plasticity,   memory and learning, ageing, neurodegeneration, pain and Multiple Sclerosis and related auto-immune disorders. In addition, the concept that prenatal infection and cytokine exposure serves as a trigger for neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia will be discussed.
Institution: TCD
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Description: The aim of this module is to provide students with in-dept insights of factors that influence host-pathogen interactions. Using specific examples, this topic is covered in the module in terms of host defense mechanisms such as immune response and the influence of immune status, the expression of host restriction factors and co-infection of the host with other infectious agents. Students are also provided with insights of how pathogens manipulate host cellular processes in order to promote self propagation and survival. In addition lectures cover how pathogens evolve within the host in response to therapy and how these genetic changes are monitored in the lab.
Institution: UCD
Molecular Neuroimmunology
Description: This course focuses on the interaction between the immune and nervous systems at molecular, cellular and systems levels. It provides an overview of current and developing concepts in neuroimmunology from both neuroscience and immunology perspectives. It aims to familiarise students with the molecular and cellular elements of interconnectivity between the immune and nervous systems and the effect of neuro-immuno interaction on physiological responses and disease processes.
Institution: UCD
Stem Cells ‐ An Introduction to Regenerative Medicine
Description: This module aims to incorporate a balanced understanding of the biological, legal, ethical and societal issues surrounding stem cells and an awareness of the major research areas. The basic biological characteristics and behaviour of human embryonic, adult and cancer stem cells are explored togther with the current and potential use of stem cells in the treatment of disease. The influence of the epigenetic landscape and niche location on stem cell behaviour are discussed. Current laws and guidelines with regard to stem cell research and therapy in Ireland, the United Kingdom and other countries are outlined. Discussion and debate of societal and ethical issues are encouraged. Choices are offered in the methods of assessment, aligned with the content and level of learning.
Institution: UCD
Genetics Disease and Behaviour
Description: This module covers advanced topics in the genetics of human disease, and the genetic and pharmacological basis of behaviour. Topics covered will include the molecular pathogenesis of selected genetic disorders, including Huntington disease, cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome, and the pervasive developmental disorders autism and Rett's syndrome. The evolution of sex and the genetic basis of sexual preferences will be discussed. Likely mechanisms of gene-environment interaction in control of behavioural traits (such as nurturing) will also be examined.
Institution: UCD
Advanced Cell Signalling
Description: This module is an advanced course on mechanisms of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotic systems. The course will focus on detailed consideration of the modes of signalling and mechanisms of desensitization by G protein coupled receptors through the heterotrimeric G proteins and downstream effectors. In addition, the course will focus on key mechanisms and pathways of signalling by members of the monomeric low molecular mass guanine nucleotide binding proteins (LMMGPs) including the Ras, Rho, Rab, ARF/Sar and Ran subfamilies; on regulation, transactivation and integration of those signalling cascades by receptor tyrosine kinase- and GPCR-regulated systems. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the structure/function relationship of the key signalling components and to the integration of the various signalling cascades.
Institution: UCD
 Bioinformatics
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic: Computer lab sessions focusing on freely available web-based tools and biological databases:
  • Obtaining and analysing nucleic acid and protein sequence data
  • Principles of sequence search and alignment
  • Utilising online databases and interpreting data
  • How bioinformatics can be used to solve problems and generate knowledge
Introduction to Biomedical Systems: Genomic Technologies
Description: DNA microarrays as a model biomedical system, review of microarray relevant molecular biology, algorithmic foundations of DNA & protein coding; introduction to microarray design & technology, issues in image processing, data storage and management of microarray data, LIMS issues, the GEO and ArrayExpress archives; data reduction and statistical analysis techniques, interpreting expression matrices using artificial intelligence algorithms, approaches to identify co-regulated genes, fundamentals in microarray bioinformatics, including gene ontology enrichment and pathway based techniques.
Institution: NUI Galway
Managing Health Information
Description: The goal of this module is to introduce students to key concepts in healthcare informatics and management of health information for clinical research.
Institution: UCD
Bioinformatics
Description: The module is core to the Biomedical Health and Life Science programme in translational research, and to students in Human Genetics. This module would also be useful to medical students, physiology students, pharmacology students and other students studying molecular biology. The course comprises practical sessions, a mini-project, which includes practical sessions with teaching support in completing the mini-project.
Institution: UCD
Clinical Research
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • Terminology and conventions of clinical research
  • The drug development pathway
  • The clinical trial process including ethical & regulatory considerations for drugs and medical devices, timelines, cost and the key players in clinical trials in Ireland
  • Theoretical and practical approach to the best clinical research methodologies
  • How novel drugs and devices are brought through early phase clinical development
  • How to develop a high quality clinical research evidence base
MMI Course ‐ Drug Design & Delivery
Description: This intensive 2-day course is designed to give clinicians and researchers from the life, chemical and physical sciences a broad overview of the concepts, strategies and research techniques used in drug design and delivery.
Institution: MMI
MMI Course - Molecules to Medicines: How Biopharma Delivers
Description: An overview of biopharmaceutical discovery, development and manufacturing, delivered by senior staff from Pfizer. A day of lectures is followed by a problem-solving workshop discussing issues arising during biopharmaceutical discovery, development and manufacturing. Places for the workshop are limited.
Institution: MMI
Drug Discovery and Development
Description: Bringing a drug from bench to bedside is cross-disciplinary. This module enables scholars to put their own research in context and to understand the key parameters in the development of potential novel therapeutics. Outline of content:
  • Identifying drug targets and drug candidates
  • Molecular modelling
  • Drug design technologies
  • Characterising drug candidates
  • Bringing a drug to the clinic

Institution: RCSI
Drug safety Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology
Description: This module will be an advanced course on mechanisms of intracellular signalling in higher eukaryotic systems. The course will focus on detailed consideration of the modes of signalling and mechanisms of desensitisation by G protein coupled receptors through the heterotrimeric G proteins and downstream effectors. In addition, the course will focus on key mechanisms and pathways of signalling by members of the monomeric low molecular mass guanine nucleotide binding proteins (LMMGPs) including the Ras, Rho, Rab, ARF/Sar and Ran subfamilies; on regulation, transactivation and integration of those signalling cascades by receptor tyrosine kinase- and GPCR-regulated systems. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the structure/function relationship of the key signalling components and to the integration of the various signalling cascades.
Institution: TCD
Pharmacoeconomics
Description: The aim of this module is to provide a higher understanding of the importance of health economics in contemporary healthcare management. It gives a comprehensive overview of the principles of health economics, economic modelling, QALY's and sensitivity analysis. It provides practical examples of how economic principles are used to measure the cost-effectiveness of medicines and how this impacts on the pharmaceutical industry in terms of pricing and reimbursement.
Institution: TCD
Introduction to Pharmaceutical Medicine
Description:This module introduces the aims and objectives of the course. It discusses the principles of pharmaceutical medicine. It gives an overview of the structure and functions of the medical department and its interaction with other departments within a pharmaceutical company. It describes the philosophy behind new drug development and how this impacts on the activity of a pharmaceutical company.
Institution: TCD
Drug Development I (Pharmaceutical and Non‐Clinical Drug Development)
Description: The objective of this module is to provide comprehensive information on the pharmaceutical and non-clinical stages of drug development (i.e. discovery). It discusses the principles of initial screening and how the choice of formulation is made with reference to the proposed indication for use. It provides background information on how potential candidates are tested for bioequivalence, stability, impurity and incompatibility in order to produce the final product specification. It describes in detail the different stages of non-clinical testing and how the non-clinical plan is designed according to the proposed indication for use. It explains how the pharmaco-toxicology findings of the new substance (and metabolites) in animals are evaluated for their potential relevance in man. The aim is to develop a higher understanding of the types of pharmaceutical and non-clinical testing carried out on new drug substances and how these fit into the overall development plan.
Institution: TCD
Drug Development II (Clinical Trials and Strategies)
Description:This module provides comprehensive information on how new drugs are evaluated in man. It describes the choice of clinical trial design and target populations, according to the proposed indication for use. It examines in detail the conduct of the studies (including GCP and legal requirements) and describes their statistical analysis and reporting. It highlights the importance of evaluation in at-risk populations and explores the concept of benefit / risk assessment in clinical development. It also describes the strategy behind drug development within the pharmaceutical industry and in particular the basis for assessing continuing viability of development projects. The aim of this module is to ensure comprehensive knowledge in the area of clinical development and how the clinical development programme interacts with the overall activities of the pharmaceutical company.
Institution: TCD
Principles & Practice of Clinical and Translational Research
Description: This module forms part of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical & Translational Research. The goal of this module is to provide an overview of the knowledge, skills and competencies that will allow them to complete a programme of clinical and translational research.
Institution: TCD
Drug Discovery and Development
Description: Topics covered:
  • The development of the pharmaceutical industry
  • Pharmacokinetic and pharmacology issues in discovery
  • The rise of biopharmaceuticals
  • Delivery of biotech molecules by non-injected routes
  • Gene delivery using viral and non-viral vectors
  • Clinical development from Phase 1-Phase 4 with case studies
  • Assessing drug safety using modern toxicology methods
  • The role of post-marketing surveillance
  • Regulatory affairs and marketing
  • Protecting the assets: generics, patenting and intellectual properties

Institution: TCD
 Innovation and Commercialisation of Research for Patient Benefit
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • The innovation pathway in medical science from the preclinical to clinical interface
  • How biomedical research discoveries are exploited commercially
  • Identifying innovative and productive research areas. Identifying opportunities for commercialisation, managing finances, innovation strategies and marketing a product and/or service
  • Developing a business plan.
Innovation & Technology Transfer
Description: Aspects of innovation (history, theory, strategy etc) and technology (strategies, acquisition, assessment) will be covered by this module. Intellectual property and asset management, including issues surrounding contracts, licensing, transfer, negotiations and commercialisation will also be explored. Included will be case reports tailored to the biomedical/biopharma/medical device sector.
Institution: NUI Galway
Innovation & Knowledge I: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Description: The Innovation and Knowledge Transfer modules will provide an introduction to the area of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the context of the Knowledge Economy. Part I will focus on the entrepreneurial process in the journey from identification of the innovative idea through to the launch of a successful business. It will identify the key factors influencing success along the way. Concepts will be explored by way of case studies and question and answer sessions with successful entrepreneurs, telling their real-life success stories. Students from all schools will find this module interesting, as it will encompass cases from the Arts and Humanities, through to Business & Law as well as technology disciplines such as ICT, Engineering & Life Sciences. The emphasis of the module will be to create an awareness of how innovative ideas can lead to commercial opportunities and identify the entrepreneurial qualities required to convert these ideas into viable business propositions.
Institution: UCD
Innovation & Knowledge II: Transferring Technology From Research to the Knowledge Economy
Description: The Innovation and Knowledge Transfer modules will provide an introduction to the area of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the context of the Knowledge Economy. Part 2 will cover the management process required to transform an innovative idea into a commercial opportunity or business proposition. It will detail the stages and processes involved in the management and commercialisation of intellectual property (IP). Students from all schools involved in the creation of knowledge in the form of intellectual property will find this module interesting. Students will be provided with a fundamental understanding of how to manage the development of IP and transfer this asset to the Knowledge Economy. The module will begin by examining some success stories and then addresses the requirements to manage and protect intellectual property rights (IPR) in areas such as ICT, Life Sciences, Engineering, Food and Energy. The potential routes to commercialisation and the key business feasibility questions will be considered: can the product be made, will someone buy it and is it possible to make a profit? This module will provide an essential grounding in matters relating to the exploitation of IP, for students interested in both academic and industrial careers.
Institution: UCD
Biomarker Discovery and Validation
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • The discovery and validation of potential biomarkers using modern technology (genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, imaging)
  • The critical role surrogate markers of disease activity play in our understanding of disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics
Clinical Biomarkers
Description: A Clinical Biomarker is defined as any measurable event that has linkage to a disease process, whether it be diagnosis of disease, monitoring patient response to treatment or measuring patient outcome. Although many biomarker tests are currently used to support clinical decision making it is widely recognised that new and better biomarkers are urgently needed to improve diagnosis, support emerging targeted therapies, monitor drug activity and evaluate therapeutic response. There has been much excitement about the potential of the `omics technologies to deliver novel biomarkers. Specifically developments in genomics, proteomics and high-throughput imaging technologies are thought to hold promise for biomarkers that could herald an era of personalised medicine. This module explores a diverse range of approaches for biomarker discovery and development The material presented will include the discussion of the latest technologies, their application using clinical samples and the processes that may be required for their progression to clinical use. In particular, the module includes material that gives consideration to the potential next generation clinical biomarker assay platforms and the integration multiple biomarker measurements.
Institution: UCD
Epidemiology - Research Tools to Address Public Health Issues
Proposed Content of Modules Addressing this Topic:
  • Principles of epidemiological study design and analysis and the design and execution of population-based, cohort and case-control studies
  • Traditional and emerging research designs, including the advantages and limitations of each with respect to practical aspects of use and implications for data analysis
  • Rationale for selecting a specific study design, such as a cohort study versus a case control study
  • Differences between prospective and retrospective cohort studies and issues involved in the assembly and follow-up of a cohort
  • Considerations in the appropriate selection of controls, and potential sources of bias
Research Methods: Epidemiology
Description: This module will introduce the student to the research process concentrating on 'population' based studies. The basic descriptive statistics for a simple variable (e.g. means, medians, standard deviations, percentages) and for quantifying an association between two variables (e.g. mean differences, relative risks, odds ratios) will be discussed. Epidemiological study designs (sample surveys, cohort and case-control studies and the randomised control trial) will be described with emphasis on sources of bias and choosing appropriate effect measures. The meaning of causal relationships and the role of bias, confounding and chance in interpreting observed associations will be considered. The student will be introduced to the concepts underlying significance testing.
Institution: UCD
Quantative and Qualitative Analysis
Description: The quantitative component will cover statistical methods with an emphasis on the techniques used in population-based research and the development of applicable skills.
Institution: UCD
Statistical Modelling and Survival Analysis
Description: This module will build on the above module 'Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis', concentrating on more advanced techniques employed in the analysis of epidemiological and medical research. The control of confounding using stratified and regression modelling is described in detail and the distinction between effect modifiers and confounders in an analysis is explained. Multiple regression techniques including the use of dummy variables and modelling interaction effects is described. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of survival (or mortality) in a cohort study, covering such techniques as multiple logistic regression, Mantel-Haenzel stratified analyses, the Kaplan-Meier lifetable and Cox regression. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of computer output and on the interpretation of complex results.The module is built around the computer package PASW (previously named SPSS) and gives the student a comprehensive and hands-on knowledge of how to perform multiple, logistic or Cox regression and other advanced techniques using this package.
Institution: UCD
Applied Research Methods & Data Management
Description: This module prepares students working or intending to work in a population health or clinical setting to undertake all elements of a research project from concept through design, implementation and analysis to interpretation and presentation of findings. The focus of this module is primarily on quantitative methods, though application to qualitative research is also possible.
Institution: UCD
Other Modules of Relevance to Clinical Investigators
Scientific Reasoning and Logic
Description:This module highlights the application of basic research to the clinic using examples of recent translational medicine successes. Supervisor teams in each research theme contribute a recent translational issue in contemporary science within their area of expertise. Students are presented with a case, which is then discussed. This continues through seven relevant and topical cases of translational medicine-in-action, one per research theme, dealing with current news-worthy scientific topics. Students receive an introduction to the broad area, key recent publications and a list of pertinent questions.
Institution: RCSI
Teaching and Learning Module for Graduate Studies
Description: The objective of this module is to give graduates an introduction to the principles and practice of teaching and learning at third level, through a mix of practical advice and initiation into recent research on teaching and learning. Case Studies will be used. The module will comprise

sessions on small group/tutorial teaching, large group teaching, laboratory teaching, computer-assisted teaching and learning, course planning and delivery, the tutors role, setting examination questions, different types of assessment, some subject-specific sessions, keeping records, ethical issues.
Institution: UCC
Scientific Outreach and Communication
Description: The objective of this module is to develop key skills for postgraduate students through discussing, explaining, and generating excitement about science in the broader community.
Institution: UCC
Biorepositories for Clinical & Translational Research
Description: This module forms part of the Graduate Certificate in Clinical & Translational Research. The goal of this module is to introduce students to key concepts in the collection, processing and storage of biological samples for clinical and translational research.
Institution: UCD
Health Economics
Description: This is a course in health economics specifically tailored to non-economists.This course will provide an introduction to main concepts in health economics (opportunity cost, equity, efficiency, scarcity) and an overview of economic principals with particular application to health care. There will be a strong emphasis on application of concepts to health-related and policy questions.The main areas covered are demand for health and healthcare, resource allocation, supply and demand, healthcare a commodity, decision-making under uncertainty, economic and health behaviour, welfare and economics and economic evaluation.
Institution: UCD
Other Relevant Techniques and Technology Modules
MMI Course - Techniques & Strategies in Molecular Medicine
Description: This course, running over 2 full days, is designed to give bioscientists and clinicians a broad overview of research techniques and their application. Basic molecular biology laboratory experience is assumed, but you should not need prior knowledge of the techniques covered in the course.
Institution: MMI
MMI Course - Human Disease Genomics: SNPs, GWAS and Next-Gen Sequencing
Description: The analysis of genetic determinants in human disease, particularly in multifactorial conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and schizophrenia, has advanced considerably in recent years due to the availability of high-density maps of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers, new insights into human genome structure from the International HapMap Project and novel analytical methods. This course aims to introduce researchers to key strategic considerations in designing and performing gene-mapping studies.
Institution: MMI
Product Development, Validation & Regulation
Description: In order to design safe and effective medical devices in a timely and efficient fashion, an understanding of how the body is designed to function and how it will likely respond to a medical device is key. This course will review relevant anatomy and physiology in the context of medical devices, including pathological and physiological aspects of disease and injury. Teaching materials will be directed towards an understanding of safe and effective devise design, together with the issues surrounding satisfaction of regulatory bodies like the FDA.
Institution: NUI Galway
Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Description: This module offers a range of lectures covering novel applications of molecular technologies in the diagnostic arena as well as investigating the therapeutic developments made possible by increasing understanding of biology at the molecular level. Thus topics include molecular diagnostics in applications such as cancer and infectious diseases as well as cellular and molecular therapeutics including molecular drug targets, vaccines and drug design and delivery.
Institution: TCD
Neural Engineering
Description: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the field of neural engineering from a neuroscience perspective. Students will apply engineering principles to understand the excitation of nerve and muscle, the generation of bioelectric signals and artificial stimulation of biological tissues. Common methods of stimulating, recording and analysing neural systems will be examined. The basic principles and methods studies will then be applied to examine specific neuroscience applications of neural engineering, such as biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders.
Institution: TCD
High Content Screening and Analysis
Description: High content screening analysis is a novel technological platform which allows for the simultaneous assessment of hundreds of parameters in cells using a high throughput approach. Thus hundreds of variables in hundreds of wells can be continuously monitored in real time allowing for unparalleled power in analysing cellular biology. By incorporating high performance optics multicolour analysis is possible as well as tracking of cell morphology and movement. This technology is becoming increasingly used and this module is unique in Ireland in providing a theoretical and practical background.
Institution: TCD
NanoMedicine and Medicinal Chemistry
Description: This module explores the new area of nanomedicine that is the application of nanomaterials in the research, diagnosis and therapeutics of disease. This is a multi-disciplinary field with inputs from physicists, chemists and biologists and likely to be a major growth area for the future of life sciences.
Institution: TCD
Neuroimaging Technology
Description: This module will deal with the theory of imaging techniques such as MRI, PET and SPECT and application of these imaging techniques in the neurosciences. Applications in clinical diagnosis, and in neuroimaging of cognitive functions will also be covered in this module.
Institution: TCD
Biotechniques
Description: The objective of this module is to give postgraduate students in the life sciences a broad overview of the range of techniques that are applied in cellular and molecular life science research.
Institution: UCC
Introduction to 'Omic' and Advanced Imaging Technologies
Description: This course is designed to familiarise students with the principles, practice and application of the rapidly developing 'omic' and imaging technologies.
Institution: UCD
Advanced Biological Imaging
Description: This module is designed for students who wish to understand and become critically aware of the principles, practice and applications of rapidly developing imaging technologies. Particular focus is given to white and fluorescent light-based imaging approaches.
Institution: UCD
Emerging Proteomic Technologies
Description: This module is designed for students who wish to understand principles, practice and applications of proteomics and critically assess emerging strategies in this rapidly expanding field.
Institution: UCD
Genomics - Principles & Practical Applications
Description: This module is designed for research students who wish to understand and become critically aware of principles, practice and applications of genomics and transcriptomics and become competent, independent users of these technologies.
Institution: UCD
Flow Cytometry - Principles & Practice
Description:This module is designed for research students who wish to understand and become critically aware of principles, practice and applications of flow cytometry and become competent, independent users of this technology.
Institution: UCD

Thanks are due to the CSFP Education Committee (see here for further information) for working to progress the clinician scientist curriculum and to all the module coordinators who have agreed to include graduate education modules as part of the curriculum.

We look forward to the use and further development of the clinician scientist curriculum and the web portal as an important means of collaboration in graduate education.

The MMI curriculum web portal will provide a very flexible resource for assembling graduate education modules as part of various curricula.