Programs by Campus
Indianapolis
Translational Science
School of Medicine
Departmental Email: cahansel [at] iu [dot] edu
Departmental URL: http://pediatrics.iu.edu/pediatric-education/ms-translational-science/
Program Contact: Carrie A. Hansel (317) 278-5842
Program Director
Professor R. Mark Payne*
(Please note that when conferring University Graduate School degrees, minors, certificates, and sub-plans, the University Graduate School’s staff uses those requirements contained only in The University Graduate School Bulletin.)
Curriculum
(An asterisk [*] denotes membership in the University Graduate School faculty with the endorsement to direct doctoral dissertations)
Degree Offered
Master of Science Track 1 and Track 2, Graduate Certificate, Ph.D. Minor
Special Departmental Requirements
(See also general University Graduate School requirements.)
Master of Science in Translational Science
Indiana University’s Translational Science Program focuses on biomedical research techniques – how to translate a basic science discovery into a treatment or diagnosis protocol that physicians and clinicians can use to treat their patients. The objective of this program is to jointly train scientists, engineers, and physicians or clinicians in the methodology of translational research (basic science and medicine working to advance care for patients). Using a unique model of dual mentorship from a clinical discipline, such as medicine, and basic science, this interdisciplinary program will prepare future leadership in translational research by integrating training in cutting edge basic science with human health and disease. This training program is focused on how to collaboratively apply scientific findings to health-related problems, and operates at the T0–T1 range of the Spectrum of Translational Research. The product of this training program is expected to meet the rapidly growing need for highly trained scientists, engineers, and clinicians who can work collaboratively to advance new findings into patient care in both academic centers, as well as the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Course Requirements
The Master of Science program is divided between two main components: (1) completion of the formal curriculum, and (2) active involvement in translational basic science research under the dual mentorship of faculty scientists – one in the basic science arena and the other in the clinical science field.
Both elements are critical in preparation of the candidate for successful research following graduation. Besides didactic classes, there is substantial research training in scientific writing and grant preparation. The curriculum is designed to cover core competency areas through a combination of course work and mentored research. The two-year M.S. program consists of a 30 credit hour curriculum, which includes the following core courses—G504/G505/G555, B551/B651/B652, G667, G668, N802, and approved electives. Additionally, Track 1 requires the completion of G669 and G670; whereas, Track 2 requires the completion of G671.
Grades
An overall average of at least a B (3.0) is required.
Thesis
Track 1 requires both research experience (GRAD G669 Mentored Basic Science Translational Research) and a thesis (GRAD G670). Track 2 requires a clinical rotation experience (see GRAD G671 Clinical Rotations for Translational Scientists and Engineers) is completed in lieu of thesis.
Graduate Certificate in Translational Science
Courses
G668 Quantitative Aspects of Translational Research (3 cr.) An interdisciplinary seminar series offered in the spring semester. Targeted toward the advanced graduate student and clinical or research based postdoctoral fellows, it will provide a forum for both Level 1 (bench to bedside) and Level 2 (clinical studies to practice) translational researchers to work together in learning both the key concepts and principles required to develop medically relevant solutions. Lecturers will represent the multiple disciplines with a stake in dealing the various aspects of disease; thus, providing students with a better global understanding. Course Director: Robert Bies. (Spring Semester)
G504/G505/P555 Research Ethics (Responsible Conduct of Research - R.C.R.) (1-3 cr.) All M.S. students must enroll in coursework related to R.C.R. if they have not already done so.
- G504 Introduction to Research Ethics (2-3 cr.) More intensive course than G505. Taught by the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics and The IU Center for Bioethics. Course Director: Kimberly Quaid de Cordon. (Fall Semester)
- G505 Introduction to Research Ethics (1 cr.) Offered in the fall semester, G505 includes lecture and small group discussion formats and covers important issues in biomedical research, such as: 1) Scientific misconduct, 2) Conflict of interest, 3) Animal rights and welfare, 4) Ownership of data, intellectual property, and copyright management, 5) Authorship and scientific manuscripts, and 6) Informed consent and human subjects. Course Director: Michael J. Klemsz. (Fall Semester)
- PHIL P555 Ethical and Policy Issues in International Research (3 cr.) If students are contemplating international research, they may opt for this course. This course examines ethical and policy issues in the design and conduct of transnational research involving human participants. Topics discussed include: economic and political factors; study design; the role of ethics review committees; individual and group recruitment/informed consent; end of study responsibilities; national and international guidelines. Course Director: Eric M. Meslin. (Fall Semester)
B651 Biostatistics I (or approved equivalent) (3 cr.) B651 is an introductory level biostatistics course designed for healthcare professionals. It is the first in the B651 and B652 series on biostatistics methodology. The course covers topics such as data description and presentation techniques, probability and probability distributions, sampling distributions, statistical inferences from small and large samples, analysis of categorical data, analysis of variance, correlation and simple linear regression analysis. Upon completion of the course, students will achieve a basic understanding of the concepts and techniques of data description and statistical inferences. Students will also acquire a working knowledge of SAS, a commonly used statistical computation program. Students will be able to understand and interpret the statistical analyses in research articles published in medical journals. Course Director: B. Katz. (Spring and Fall semesters)
or
B652 Biostatistics II (or approved equivalent) (3 cr.) B652 is an advanced applied biostatistics course designed for students with an interest in the health sciences. Students are expected to have completed at least one semester course of basic biostatistics. Knowledge of probability and probability distributions, concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing are assumed. Topics covered in this course include multiple linear regression, multi-factor analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, analysis of repeated measures, logistic regression model, and survival analyses. Upon completion of the course, students are expected to understand the appropriate statistical models for various outcomes and be able to interpret results using statistical techniques covered in this course. Course Directors: S. Gao & P. Monahan.
or
B551 Biostatistics-Public Health I (or approved equivalent) (3 cr.) B551 is an introductory level biostatistics course designed for healthcare professionals. The course covers topics such as data description and presentation techniques, probability and probability distributions, sampling distributions, statistical inferences from small and large samples, analysis of categorical data, analysis of variance, correlation and simple linear regression analysis. Upon completion of the course, students will achieve a basic understanding of the concepts and techniques of data description and statistical inferences. Students will also acquire a working knowledge of SPSS, a commonly used statistical computation program. Students will be able to understand and interpret the statistical analyses in research articles published in medical journals.
N801 Techniques of Effective Grant Writing (or approved equivalent) (3 cr.) This is an intensive course / workshop designed to teach fellows and graduate students how to write and review an N.I.H. application. Trainees will write an N.R.S.A., R03, or K-award application. Course Directors: Paul Lysaker. (Fall Semester).
Electives (3-7 cr.)
Example electives include graduate level courses in more advanced biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical pharmacology, genetics, molecular biology, and computer sciences. However, enrollees may select electives from the entire offering of graduate courses at both Indiana University and Purdue University at Indianapolis as well as IU at Bloomington. Must be approved by Program Director.
Requirements for M.S. in Translational Science for people with clinical background (i.e., M.D.)
G669 Mentored Basic Science/Translational Research (1-9 cr.) This mandatory course requires the student to construct an organized translational research project under dual mentorship (M.D. and Ph.D.) by faculty. The capstone experience is the completion of a grant in the N.I.H. format suitable for peer-review and presentation before one’s peers. This course will be conducted in the fall, spring, and summer terms, graded by faculty, and should be in a format supporting submission to a funding organization. Course Director: R. Mark Payne
G670 Thesis in Translational Research (3 cr.) This mandatory course requires the student to complete a research thesis based on their mentored basic science/translational research project. Course Director: R. Mark Payne
Requirement for M.S. in Translational Science for people with Basic Science background (i.e., Ph.D.)
G671 Clinical Rotations for Translational Scientists and Engineers (3-9 cr.) Students rotate in pairs through all rotations, and an effort is made to only have two students on each rotation at a time to maintain a high quality experience. These courses serve to both introduce the students to clinical medicine, and acclimatize them to the language and environment of hospital-based and out-patient medical care. Designed as practicums, these courses are particularly aimed at non-clinician scientists intending to conduct translational research.
Ph.D. Minor in Translational Science
This is a 12-credit program which focuses on biomedical research techniques—how to translate a basic science discovery into a treatment or diagnosis protocol that physicians and clinicians can use to treat patients. All students expressing interest will be encouraged to speak with the program director or one of the Executive Committee members. The minor program will be approved by the student’s advisory committee, which will take into consideration the student’s total didactic experience. The advisory committee may approve additional and/or substitution of appropriate courses to complete the degree requirements. The minor representative on this Committee will be selected from outside the student’s major department.
Courses
(See course descriptions above.)
G667 Tools and Techniques in Translational Research (3 cr.)
G668 Quantitative Aspects of Translational Research (3 cr.)
G504/G505/P555 Research Ethics (Responsible Conduct of Research - R.C.R.) (1-3 cr.)
G651 Biostatistics I (or approved equivalent) (3 cr.)
or
G652 Biostatistics II (approved equivalent) (3 cr.)
Electives: Must be approved by Program Director (up to 3 cr.)