Elective Courses

CTS703 - Quantitative Methods to Improve Health

The structure of this course will be in modules, with didactic teaching followed by discussion of assigned weekly reading. The introductory lecture will provide a brief overview of outcomes and effectiveness research; and explain how the subsequent four course modules will provide some of the basic tools in this field. These are the most important tools required to produce the knowledge that will allow us to change health care and the health care system.

CTS709 - Genomics

This course provides an introduction to the field of genomics. It will cover the structure of the genome, the strategies that were utilized to map and sequence the genome, and will consider in detail how genomic sequence information is utilized for paharmacogenomics, drug discovery and diagnostics. The course also introduces post-genomics technologies including bioinformatics, functional genomics, and proteomics. The course will also emphasize new genomic technologies, high throughput sequencing, genome-wide studies, methodologies and interpretations and gene expression/microarrays.

CTS715 - Principles and Practice of Clinical Research

This clinical research course will focus on intervention studies (drug, device) and regulations and resources needed to support their safe and efficient conduct. The shared responsibilities of sponsors (biotech, drug and device), investigative sites, physicial investigators and professional research staff will be analyzed within the current regulatory climate. Through case studies and contemporary media, this course will also weave the topics of public trust, patient perceptions and research integrity as a common thread thorugh the semester.

CTS717 - Randomized Clinical Trials in Behavorial Medicine Research

The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities for the student to understand the foundations of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in behavorial medicine research. Topics related to theory, design, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral randomized clinical trials will be discussed. Students will develop a research project where concepts can be applied and practice reviewing behavioral RCTs in the published literature.

CTS718 - Epidemiologic and Preventive Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease

This course deals with the application of epidemiologic methods to the study of cardiovascular disease. The course emphasizes the preventive and therapeutic management of coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. Students will acquire an understanding of recent trends in the magnitude and outcomes associated with these chronic diseases and major clinical trials in the primary and secondary prevention of several of these important chronic diseases.

CTS719 - Designing and Conducting Health Surveys

This course introduces students to the foundations of survey methods. The course is designed to introduce students to the use of surveys in public health. Self-reported data, collected using various survey methods, are used to estimate behavioral risks, disease prevalence, access to medical care, health literacy, and physical activity. For example, the CDC sponsors The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a telephone survey conducted by U.S. state health departments. The BRFSS provides state-specific information about issues such as asthma, diabetes, health care access, alcohol use, hypertension, obesity, cancer screening, nutrition and physical activity, tobacco use, and more.

CTS721 - Infectious Disease Epidemiology

This course is designed to provide a historical perspective on infectious disease epidemiology as a basis for understanding current global health research and programs aimed at disease control, elimination, eradication and extinction.
A passing grade will be based on class participation, discussing required readings and a final written (take-home) report.

CTS801 - MSCI Independent Study

The purpose of an independent study elective is to gain in depth knowledge of a specific topic by working closely with a faculty member with expertise in that area. Typically independent studies cover areas not addressed in the core curriculum and advanced topics or other electives. In the present independent study, will work with the faculty mentor/advisor to explore research content areas, as welll as methodologies, that have not been previously covered in core curriculum courses. The time spent in this elective will be equivalent to 2 credit hours.