Online Course in Preclinical Translational Science
This short online course provides an overview of core concepts in effective preclinical translational science, using an engaging case study-based teaching approach. This course is proven effective at teaching complex concepts to a broad and diverse range of learners.
Course overview
What you will learn
Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of translational science, and many principles and strategies for effective preclinical translational science. Course learning objectives include the following:
- Understand the definitions and goals of translational research and translational science.
- Identify core principles of translational science that characterize effective approaches to advance progress along the translational pipeline.
- Learn a range of preclinical strategies that reflect these core principles.
- Learn about the research process involved in advancing a scientific discovery to a promising compound to be tested in clinical trials.
- Learn about the varied roles of different disciplines and agencies — including industry, government agencies and academia — in advancing translational research and effective approaches for cross-disciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships.
Course Coordinators
Amanda L. Vogel, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Director, Education Branch, NCATS
Eric J. Juarez, Ph.D.
Presidential Management Fellow, NCATS
Jessica M. Faupel-Badger, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Chief, Networks and Development Programs Branch, Division for Research Capacity Building, National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Modules
Open Opportunities
Module 1: Overview of the Course and Introduction to Translational Science
- Course Syllabus (PDF - 97KB)
- Readings and Resources (PDF - 167KB)
- Course Glossary (PDF - 164KB)
- Introduction to the Course
- Translational Science Maximizing the Success of Translational Research
- NCATS Translational Science Principles
- Challenges in Development of Selective Anti Metastasis Therapies in Today’s Cancer Treatment
- Pursuing Novelty to Accelerate Innovation in Translational Research
- Module 1 Readings (PDF - 115KB)
- Module 1 Quiz (PDF - 71KB)
Module 2: Optimizing Efficiency and Effectiveness in Translational Research: Infrastructure, Teams and Partnerships, and Scientific Approaches
- Translation at NCATS: A Brief Introduction to Our Research Program
- Collaborative Discovery at NCATS Early Translation Branch ETB
- Collaborative Discovery at NCATS Early Translation Branch ETB Part 2
- Translational Science and Drug Development - Metarrestin
- Identification of a Phenotypic Marker for Selective Anti Metastasis Drug Development
- In vitro Assays for Drug Discovery and Development Towards Better Predictability
- Using Phenotypic Based Drug Discovery and Development Towards Better Predictability
- Module 2 Readings (PDF - 125KB)
- Module 2 Quiz (PDF - 81KB)
Module 3: The Role of Chemistry in Drug Discovery and Development, and Cross-Agency Partnerships
- Medicinal Chemistry in the Preclinical Translational Research Team
- Medicinal Chemistry Approaches in the Metarrestin Project
- Partnering for Success, Part 1 Principles and Management of Intellectual Property
- Partnering for Success, Part 2 Principles and Management of Intellectual Property
- No Readings
- Module 3 Quiz (PDF - 71KB)
Module 4: Evidence-Based Practices to Enhance Team-Based Collaboration, Creativity and Innovation in Translational Research
- Enhancing Team Based Collaboration
- Strategies For Enhancing Science Team Effectiveness
- Planning for Success in Team Science
- Team Science in the Metarrestin Project Group Interview
- Module 4 Readings (PDF - 108KB)
- Module 4 Quiz (PDF - 98KB)
Module 5: Advancing Along the Translational Spectrum: Predictive Models in Drug Development — Pharmacology and Toxicology Testing in the Preclinical Research Project
- Selection of Animal Models for Drug Candidates
- Pancreatic Cancer Overview
- Transitioning from Discovery Research to IND Enabling Studies
- Application of Pharmacokinetics in Preclinical Translational Research
- Role of Safety in Drug Discovery and Development
- Module 5 Readings (PDF - 136KB)
- Module 5 Quiz (PDF - 67KB)
Module 6: Target Identification and Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Goals, Design and Implementation, Part 1
- Clinical Trials Goals, Design and Implementation, Part 2
- Principles for Target Identification in Phenotypic Drug Discovery Efforts
- Principles for Target Identification in the Metarrestin Project
- Module 6 Readings (PDF - 92KB)
- Module 6 Quiz (PDF - 54KB)
Module 7: Latest Developments in the Project and Course Conclusion
- Update on Current State of Metarrestin Clinical Trials
- Course Wrap Up
- No Readings
- Module 7 Quiz (PDF - 50KB)
Teaching Resources
- Discussion Guides (Coming Soon)
Useful links
- Module 1: Overview of the Course and Introduction to Translational Science
- Module 2: Optimizing Efficiency and Effectiveness in Translational Research: Infrastructure, Teams and Partnerships, and Scientific Approaches
- Module 3: The Role of Chemistry in Drug Discovery and Development, and Cross-Agency Partnerships
- Module 4: Evidence-Based Practices to Enhance Team-Based Collaboration, Creativity and Innovation in Translational Research
- Module 5: Advancing Along the Translational Spectrum: Predictive Models in Drug Development — Pharmacology and Toxicology Testing in the Preclinical Research Project
- Module 6: Target Identification and Clinical Trials
- Module 7: Latest Developments in the Project and Course Conclusion
 |  | Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |