HE 2300

Introduction to Translational Research

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This introductory course is designed for students interested in community-engaged research that improves human lives. Specifically, this course will instruct on translational research in the social and behavioral sciences. Translational research (TR) is the systematic movement of research findings into the development of interventions, practices and policies to improve human health and well-being, and also the use of knowledge derived from community/government interventions, practices and policies to inform research. TR is conducted in bi-directional stages, which include 1) basic discoveries, 2) feasibility studies, 3) efficacy studies, 4) effectiveness studies, and 5) population impact & policy. TR is utilized in careers in STEM and medicine, public health, social sciences, public policy, and beyond. The class will move through the 5 TR stages. Students will learn about each stage plus innovative research being done at each stage by the instructor and guest lecturers. Ethical considerations of working in communities will be discussed. Along the way, students will complete hands-on assignments that will help them become translational researchers in their own fields of study.

Enrollment Priority Recommended prerequisite: research methods.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the features and give examples of the 5 stages of translational research in the social and behavioral sciences.
• Practice reading journal articles of translational research projects to increase ability to read scholarly work and learn from real example projects.
• Understand the importance of ethically conducted community engaged translational research and the impact it has on research projects, community health, and social inequities.
• Create their own “ideal” translational research project, with special attention to ethical considerations of community engaged work.

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