Course Description

Methods and techniques for expanding the scientific knowledge base of research, with an emphasis on translational and outcomes research related to the biomedical, clinical laboratory medicine and health sciences fields. The need for translational and outcomes research in clinical laboratory science and multidisciplinary aspects of this type of reach will be explored. Students will be required to write a final paper in a grant proposal format on a specific topic related to clinical laboratory science/medicine or an approved topic related to their proposed graduate project.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits:  3

Participants should anticipate spending approximately 135 hours on the course, or an average of 9-12 hours per week for 15 weeks.

The course is web based. Various active teaching/learning strategies and techniques will be utilized via Internet delivery of the course. Modes of instruction and course format may include posted lectures, questions for online discussion, critical thinking activities, directed study, Internet-enhanced reading assignments, and live webinar(s). Students are expected to be prepared for all class meetings, and it is essential that all students be prepared to contribute to class discussions and activities.

Learning Resources: Learning resources will be identified by the instructor and faculty advisor as appropriate. These will include Internet resources, textbooks, and periodicals. The University Libraries serve all schools for both on-site and distance learning students. The University Library can be accessed from the online course. It is the gateway to selected health sciences Internet-based resources, databases, and electronic journals, as well as information about on-site and remote-access library services.

Prerequisites

Matriculated students in a Rutgers, SHP, Department of Clinical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Sciences program or, with permission, students in a Rutgers graduate program.

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

The primary goal is to acquire cumulative knowledge and skills of research design/methods, with an emphasis on translational and outcomes research related to the biomedical, clinical laboratory medicine and health sciences fields. The course outcome is to assess the student’s theoretical knowledge of translational and outcomes research design/methods through multiple assignments, culminating in the development of a grant proposal following public/private grant funding agencies guidelines.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Identify rationale/relevance and scientific bases for laboratory-based research.
Analyze ethical issues associated with conducting research including human and animal subjects rights.
Identify types of study designs, including observational, quasi-experimental, experimental designs, and inherent threats to internal and external validity.
Describe measurement of variables and concepts of measurement reliability and validity.
Compare and contrast translational/applied and outcomes research.
Examine research design and data collection strategies.
Discuss survey research related to utilization in health and laboratory research, with a focus on sampling techniques, sample size, and writing survey questions.
Evaluate/critique current research literature in clinical laboratory science, and related health professions.
Develop a conceptual framework for a study, showing the hypothesized causal variables and the expected results.
Formulate a project proposal of the intended research project per appropriate guidelines.
Communicate research ideas and their appropriate theoretical and methodological issues effectively and efficiently and provide a research strategy.
Identify potential priorities and pitfalls in the research project, including time management, project management, organizational aspects, stress management, and communication.