Basic Course in Biomedical Research

By Multifaculty | ICMR - National Institute of Epidemiology

Learners enrolled: 254114 | Exam registration: 154557

In order to improve the research skills of Indian medical postgraduate (PG) students and teachers in medical institutions, the National Medical Commission (NMC, erstwhile Medical Council of India) has mandated a uniform research methodology course. This online course, “Basic Course in Biomedical Research”, is offered by ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Chennai (www.nie.gov.in).

The course will explain the fundamental concepts of research methodology in health. Course materials include video lectures reading/resource materials, example accompaniments, workbooks, lecture handouts and frequently asked questions (based on participant queries from previous cycle). Certification will be done based on lecture wise assignments and a final proctored exam.

Online Basic course in Biomedical Research is switching to a new format of self –paced structure from 20 April 2022 which is flexible and convenient. Enrollment will open throughout the year and there is no deadline for enrollment/submission of assignments. In the self-paced mode the previous cycle assignment scores will not be considered to register for the proctored exam.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

Mandatory course for

• Medical postgraduates [academic year 2019-20 onwards] &

• Teachers in medical institutions affiliated to NMC

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi and ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai

Summary

Course Status :	Upcoming
Course Type :	Core
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	Self Paced
Category :	Health research
Level :	Postgraduate

Page Visits

Course layout

Click here to view enrollment related FAQS

Course process

Proctored exam schedule - 2024

Course content

Conceptualizing a research study

1 Introduction to health research

2 Formulating research question, hypothesis and objectives

3 Literature review

Epidemiological considerations in designing a research study

4 Measures of disease frequency

5 Descriptive study designs

6 Analytical study designs

7 Experimental study designs

8 Validity of epidemiological studies

9 Qualitative research methods: An overview

Bio-statistical considerations in designing a research study

10 Measurement of study variables

11 Sampling methods

12 Calculating sample size and power

Planning a research study

13 Selection of study population

14 Study plan and project management

15 Designing data collection tools

16 Principles of data collection

17 Data management

18 Overview of data analysis

Ethical issues in conducting a research study

19 Ethical framework for health research

20 Conducting clinical trials

Writing a research protocol

21 Preparing a concept paper for research projects

22 Elements of a protocol for research studies

23 Publication ethics
24 Manuscript Writing (non-graded)
25 Grant Proposal Writing (non-graded)

Books and references

· Reading/resource materials will be available for each lecture

· List of open source books

1. World Health Organization. Health research methodology: a guide for training in research methods. Manila: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific; 2001: p. 1-10. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/206929

2. Bonita R, Beaglehole R, Kjellstrom T. Basic epidemiology. 2nd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2006: p. 15-23.
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/43541/1/9241547073_eng.pdf

3. Coggon D, Rose G, Barker DJP. Epidemiology for the uninitiated. 4th ed. London: BMJ publishing Group; 1997. https://www.bmj.com/about-bmj/resources-readers/publications/epidemiology-uninitiated

4. Campbell MJ, Swinscow TDV. Statistics at square one. 9th ed. BMJ Publishing Group; 1997. https://www.bmj.com/about-bmj/resources-readers/publications/statistics-square-one

5. Hudelson PM. Qualitative research for health programmes. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2004. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/62315/WHO_MNH_PSF_94.3.pdf?sequence=1

Instructor bio

All faculty members are from the public health/epidemiology/research methods training programmes at the ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, India. ICMR-NIE offers two-year Masters’ level programmes in Public Health and Bio-statistics. Further, ICMR-NIE conducts Ph.D., and various short-term training programmes in public health/epidemiology and biostatistics. Besides teaching, the faculty members have been conducting epidemiological/public health research. For more details www.nie.gov.in

Academic coordinators

E. Rajalakshmi, M. D (S)., M.Sc., (Epidemiology)

Malu Mohan, PhD (Public Health)

Teaching assistants

Sharan Murali, M.D. (Community Medicine)