The Learning units are
1: Introduction to Clinical Research
Definition and purpose of clinical research
History and evolution of clinical trials
Overview of the drug development process
Phases of clinical trials (Phase I–IV)
Types of clinical research (interventional, observational, epidemiological)
2: Ethical Guidelines & Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
ICH-GCP principles and structure
Declaration of Helsinki
Belmont Report
Informed consent process and patient rights
Ethics committees/IRBs: role and responsibilities
3: Regulatory Affairs
Key global regulatory authorities: FDA (US), EMA (EU), CDSCO (India), MHRA (UK), PMDA (Japan)
IND, NDA, ANDA, CTA, and BLA submissions
Overview of regulatory pathways and approvals
Regulatory documentation and timelines
4: Clinical Trial Protocol and Design
Elements of a clinical trial protocol
Study objectives, endpoints, and inclusion/exclusion criteria
Randomization and blinding
Study design types (parallel, crossover, open-label, etc.)
5: Roles and Responsibilities
Investigator and site staff
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
Clinical Trial Coordinator (CTC)
Sponsor and Contract Research Organization (CRO)
Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB)
6: Site Management and Monitoring
Site selection and feasibility
Investigator site file (ISF) setup
Initiation, monitoring, and close-out visits
Source data verification (SDV) and site audits
Common site challenges and resolutions