The module will reinforce what you have learnt about clinical trials on the Epidemiology, Statistics and Research Methods module and will explore the key practical and scientific issues in greater depth. This module aims to provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of trial methodology with a focus on understanding, critical appraisal and interpretation of published work. Materials will be derived from real, ongoing or completed, trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The course will primarily involve task-based learning and facilitated group-discussion.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module you should be able to:
1. Understand the role of randomised trials and be able to explain the purpose of randomisation.
2. Understand the processes of ethical approval, trial management, data and safety monitoring, informed consent, data protection, Good Clinical Practice and regulation as applied to clinical trials
3. Recognise and understand the principles of good trial design, conduct, analysis and reporting and be able to critically appraise and interpret trial results.
4. Understand how trial results can be used in meta-analysis to help evaluate clinical effectiveness and safety and in cost-effectiveness analyses to inform health policy.
Credits
20 credits
Module Attendance Required
2 block weeks of teaching
Module Dates
2012/2013
21 - 25 January 2013
11 - 15 February 2013
Assessment
Examination – unseen examination consisting of series of short-answer and problem-solving questions (2.5 hours).
Students must achieve at least 50% in the examination to pass the module.
Academics involved in the delivery of this module
Dr Melanie Calvert
Professor Paul Aveyard
This module will be taught by a range of academics experienced in trial design and analysis.
Stand Alone Course
This module can also be taken as a stand alone course if required. To apply, please contact the Programme Administrator, 0121 414 7577, mph@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Fee if taken as a stand alone course
To be eligible to gain credits for this module you will need to complete both weeks of teaching and sit an exam. Teaching and assessment must be completed within the same academic year. Fee - £880
If you do not wish to gain credits you have two options:
1.attend the first week of teaching only- fee £tbc
2.attend both weeks of teaching (please note the first week of teaching is a pre-requisite for the second week) - fee £tbc
Entry requirements if taken as a stand alone course
For information on requirements please contact the Programme Administrator.