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PU5068: DESIGNING REAL-WORLD TRIALS (2023-2024)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 10:43


Course Overview

Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) are used to test the effectiveness of interventions. The aim of this course is to take a student through the process of designing RCTs. The course will focus on RCTs in the evaluation of real-world healthcare and public health settings. 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Specify and critically evaluate the key elements of trial design.

2. Justify trial design decisions. 

3. Describe the differences between pragmatic and explanatory trials. 

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Kirsty McCormack

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will take a student through the process of designing RCTs. The course aims to develop students’ knowledge and awareness of how to design a fair test, the appropriate use of trials and alternative trial designs, involving patients and the public and the logistics and practicalities of designing real-world trials.

Teaching and learning for this course will involve a combination of lectures, practical sessions, self-study, discussion boards, and assignments. Independent study and group exercises based around examples from real trials will develop your critical understanding of trial design.

The course is fully online which will allow you to fit your studies around other commitments: you can study whenever and wherever suits you.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Short Answer Question

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 12 Feedback Weeks 14

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateSpecify and critically evaluate the key elements of trial design

Short Answer Question

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks 5 Feedback Weeks 7

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualRememberDescribe the differences between pragmatic and explanatory trials

Short Answer Question

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 8 Feedback Weeks 10

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateSpecify and critically evaluate the key elements of trial design
ProceduralEvaluateJustify trial design decisions

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualRememberDescribe the differences between pragmatic and explanatory trials
ConceptualEvaluateSpecify and critically evaluate the key elements of trial design
ProceduralEvaluateJustify trial design decisions

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