Course Catalogue

How to Conduct and Monitor a Clinical Trial BIOL5454

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: MVLS College Services
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will cover how to conduct and monitor a clinical trial. Students will learn about key trial documents and procedures. In addition, they will learn how to monitor a trial, troubleshoot when the trial is in progress and finally how to report trial results.

Timetable

This course runs in Semester 1 and is made up of lectures and tutorials.

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1. Individual written assignment (1500-2000 words, 50%) [ILO1, ILO2]. 

2. Group presentation - (20 minutes, 25%) [ILO3, ILO4]. 

3. Group presentation - individual contribution to group (25%) [ILO3, ILO4]. 

Course Aims

The specific aims of this taught course are:

■ To provide students with comprehensive knowledge of how to conduct and monitor a clinical trial.

■ To give students the training and knowledge to design their own clinical trial standard operating procedure.

■ To introduce students to the key clinical trial procedures that must be adhered to when conducting and amending a clinical trial.

■ To familiarise students with the procedures that are followed when a clinical trial has finished.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:
1. Design a detailed checklist to support the setup, management, and closedown of a clinical trial.
2. Synthesise a lay summary to provides a concise overview of the clinical trial findings for a general audience.
3. Critically evaluate and troubleshoot common clinical trial amendments.
4. Justify appropriate amendments to clinical trial protocols.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions