Clinical Evidence Lab: Study Design & Advanced Methods
Design Studies and Evaluate Clinical Evidence
Strengthen your skills in study design, causal inference, and advanced analytical methods at Dresden International University (DIU). This course builds on foundational clinical research knowledge and focuses on designing robust studies, identifying bias, and assessing real-world evidence.
Through research protocols, epidemiological methods, and clinical datasets, you will learn to evaluate study quality and apply causal reasoning to research questions.
Key Facts
Certificate
Without an exam: Certificate of Enrollment
With an exam: ECTS CertificateCourse start
Planned for 2027
Duration
5 months
Course location
Online
Course format
Part-time
Credit points
10 ECTS
Language
English
Course fee
€3,445
Who This Course Is For:
Clinical Evidence Lab is designed for professionals with foundational clinical research knowledge who want to strengthen their methodological skills, including:
- Clinical research professionals working on study design, protocol development, and evidence evaluation
- Healthcare and life sciences specialists who assess research protocols, bias, and real-world evidence
- Professionals developing their expertise in clinical research, epidemiology, regulatory affairs, or health data science
Course Content & Learning Outcomes
Explore advanced study designs and methods for evaluating clinical evidence. The course covers cohort and case-control studies, registry-based research, bias and confounding, causal inference, regression modeling, and the basics of survival analysis.
Through seminars, case studies, methodological workshops, and critical appraisal exercises, you will practice assessing protocols and interpreting research findings. The sections below outline the course topics, learning outcomes, and teaching approach.
What You Will Cover
- Advanced study designs, including cohort and case-control studies
- Registry-based studies and real-world evidence frameworks
- Bias, confounding, and effect modification
- Causal inference in clinical research
- Advanced regression modeling
- Survival analysis basics
- Critical appraisal of study protocols
- Ethical and regulatory considerations in research design
What You Will Be Able to Do
After completion, you will be able to:
- Design robust clinical research studies
- Apply causal inference principles
- Identify and mitigate bias and confounding
- Evaluate complex research protocols
- Interpret advanced regression and survival analyses
- Critically assess real-world evidence studies
How You Will Learn
- Research-focused seminars
- Applied case studies
- Methodological workshops
- Critical appraisal exercises
- Interactive discussions with faculty experts
Scientific Directors
Dr. Ben M. W. Illigens, MD, MBI
Instructor in Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, MA United States and Director, German Sites Development Principles and Practice of Clinical Research Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Managing Director, CEO, D4L data4life gGmbH
Prof. Dr. med. Timo Siepmann, FAHA, FESO
Senior Attending Physician (Deputy Chief Physician), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Site Director, Principles & Practice of Clinical Research (Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health)
Participation Requirements
A relevant academic or professional background and foundational knowledge of clinical research methods are recommended. Please outline your education, research experience, and learning goals when requesting participation. DIU will review your profile and clarify the appropriate next step, which may include a counseling appointment or a course agreement.
You can request participation in this course independently of the M.Sc. pathway. Requirements for a CAS or the modular pathway toward the Clinical Research M.Sc. are assessed separately. DIU individually reviews eligibility and recognition of course credits for the intended qualification. Taking this course does not automatically grant admission to the M.Sc. pathway or guarantee degree credit.
Your Options Beyond the Individual Course
You can take Clinical Evidence Lab as an individual course. If you are interested in a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), ask DIU to confirm the required course combination and assessments before booking.
A modular pathway toward the Clinical Research M.Sc. is available to eligible participants, subject to an individual assessment of admission requirements and prior learning. Taking this course does not automatically grant admission or guarantee credit toward the degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is This Course For?
The course is designed for clinical research professionals and healthcare or life sciences specialists who want to deepen their skills in study design, causal inference, and evidence evaluation. Foundational knowledge of clinical research methods is recommended.
Can I Take This as an Individual Course?
Yes. You can inquire about Clinical Evidence Lab as an individual course. For further academic qualifications, you can explore defined course combinations toward a CAS or the modular M.Sc. pathway for eligible participants. DIU reviews the required components and your eligibility separately. Completing this course does not automatically grant admission or guarantee degree credit.
What Will I Learn?
You will explore advanced study designs, registry-based research, bias and confounding, causal inference, regression modeling, and the basics of survival analysis. You will practice evaluating protocols, interpreting analytical results, and critically assessing real-world evidence.
What Prior Knowledge Is Recommended?
Foundational knowledge of clinical research methods is recommended. If you are unsure whether your education or research experience is sufficient, send DIU a brief description of your background. The Study Advisory Team will help you identify the appropriate entry option.
What Are the Participation Requirements?
A relevant academic or professional background is recommended. DIU reviews your education and experience when you request participation. Requirements for a CAS and a possible modular Master’s pathway are assessed separately from entry to this individual course.
How Will I Learn?
The course is delivered online in English over five months. Learning includes research-focused seminars, applied case studies, methodological workshops, critical appraisal exercises, and discussions with faculty experts. The next course is planned for 2027; contact DIU for the current schedule.
What Certificate Can I Earn?
Without an exam, participation leads to a Certificate of Enrollment. With an exam, you can earn an ECTS Certificate; the course carries 10 ECTS. A CAS is a separate qualification requiring a defined combination of course components and assessments. Please confirm the requirements for your intended qualification with DIU before booking.
How Do I Request Participation?
Use the existing course inquiry form or contact the Study Advisory Team. Include a brief description of your education and relevant experience, and indicate that you are interested in Clinical Evidence Lab. If you want to work toward a CAS or explore a modular Master’s pathway, mention this so DIU can advise you on the required next steps.
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