Program Overview

Introduction to the CAS Clinical Research I Program

The CAS Clinical Research I (Clinical Trial Planning and Conduct) program is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to begin or advance a career in clinical research. This program offers a solid foundation in the development of new therapies, with a particular emphasis on drug development.

Program Overview

• Abschluss: CAS
• Umfang: 11 ECTS
• Nächster Start: 09.02.2027
• Dauer: minimum 9 months
• Kosten: CHF 7,000
• Sprache: Englisch

This program provides participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to begin a career in clinical research, including understanding the development process of new therapies, learning the key roles and responsibilities within clinical research teams, gaining insight into the planning and conduct of clinical trials, and acquiring knowledge of the regulatory and legal framework governing clinical studies.

Target Audience

The program is open to everyone interested in entering the field of clinical research or seeking a structured introduction to its key concepts and practices. It is especially appropriate for people working in any area of clinical research, either in academia or in industry, such as study nurses, study coordinators, clinical research associates, study physicians, and assistant physicians.

Admission Requirements

• A degree (Bachelor's or Master's) from a university recognized by the University of Basel in the fields of medicine, health sciences, nursing sciences, natural sciences, and other disciplines related to the degree program.
• Very good command of oral and written English.

In exceptional cases, candidates who can demonstrate an adequate professional background and professional qualifications may also be admitted to the degree program.

Program Structure

The program consists of 3 modules, each including:

• Online Training for self-paced learning and individual study.
• Classroom Sessions featuring practical exercises, case studies, and group discussions.
• Assessment through multiple-choice tests to verify acquired competencies.
• Homework Assignments designed to deepen understanding and apply concepts in real-world scenarios.
• Workshadowing 5-days, allowing participants to observe clinical research professionals in practice and reflect on their experience in a written report.

Classroom Training

• Module 1: Basics of clinical research, 2 days.
• Module 2: Clinical study planning, 3 days.
• Module 3: Clinical study conduct, 2 days.

Online training material will be available approximately one month prior to the respective classroom training.

Workload and Credit Points

• Workload: 96 contact hours.
• Credit Points: 11 ECTS.

Course certificates will be issued after successful completion of all online module tests, submission of all pre- and homework assignments, and submission of the work-shadowing report.

Leadership and Faculty

The program is led by Dr. Andrea Kiemen, and the multidisciplinary teaching faculty consists of national and international experts in clinical research ethics, regulatory sciences, and the different fields of operational clinical research.

Tuition Fees

• Fee: CHF 7,000.
• Reduced course fee for DKF research group members: CHF 5,500.

Fees include course materials, provisions during coffee/tea breaks, and overhead fees. The course fee will be collected in two equal tranches approximately 6 months apart.

Cancellation and Withdrawal Policy

Cancellations made prior to the closing date for enrollment will not be subject to any charge. If a cancellation is made after the closing date for enrollment, the full applicable fee will be charged. Course fees already paid will not be refunded. Should participants withdraw from the program or discontinue participation, no discount from the course fee will be granted, and any share of the course fee will not be refunded.

Duration and Next Start Date

• Nächster Start: 09.02.2027.
• Anmeldeschluss: Montag, 03.11.2025.

Additional Information

Students who are interested in a broader training on operational aspects of clinical trials, including management and leadership skills, may be interested in complementing their knowledge through an additional CAS Clinical Research II (Advanced Clinical Trial Management). After successful completion of both the CAS Clinical Research I and the CAS Clinical Research II, it is possible to receive the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) Clinical Trial Practice and Management by composition of a diploma thesis and passing a final oral examination.