Overview
This course guides students through the process of transforming target discoveries into therapeutic leads. Students will explore cutting-edge experimental techniques and data analysis methods to identify trends and patterns vital for enhancing target development. The course will also cover clinical research development, focusing on evidence-based approaches to refine trial design, ensuring drug safety and efficacy while upholding ethical standards. Students will critically assess current research literature, identify knowledge gaps, formulate research questions, and design studies aimed at advancing healthcare solutions.
Course Description & Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
1. Analyze and apply current and emerging experimental techniques, to identify and develop therapeutic targets, enhancing the drug discovery process from initial research to clinical applications.
2. Critically evaluate clinical trial protocols, focusing on evidence-based methods to optimize trial design for drug safety and efficacy, while upholding ethical standards and ensuring scientific rigor.
3. Assess and apply ethical principles in the design and conduct of clinical research, ensuring that trial designs prioritize patient safety, data integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Schedule
End Date: 03 Nov 2025, Monday
Held over 5 Mondays, this course is held in-person at Duke-NUS Medical School 22nd Sept 29th Sept 13th Oct 27th Oct 3rd Nov
Location: Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Rd, 169857Agenda
| Day/Time | Agenda Activity/Description |
|---|---|
| 22nd Sept | Appreciating unmet needs from different viewpoints Tools for target discovery and big data Translational immunology Translational genetics |
| 29th Sept | TM's role in health equality, equity, and justice Pre-clinical development Intro to clinical trials Research methodologies (Part I) |
| 13th Oct | Translational medicine and research ethics Phase I trials: what happens? Building translational teams: lab coats & white coats |
| 27th Oct | Are treatments effective? (Phase II & III Trials) Research methodologies: causality, inference and clinical trial design (Part II) Post-market surveillance navigating drug regulations: fast and safe |
| 3rd Nov | Project Presentation Assessment |
Pricing
Course fees: International Participants: S$5,886 Singaporeans (≤39 years old): S$1,765.80 Singaporeans (≥40 years old): S$685.6.80 Singapore PRs: S$1,765.80
Skills Covered
PROFICIENCY LEVEL GUIDE
Beginner: Introduce the subject matter without the need to have any prerequisites.
Proficient: Requires learners to have prior knowledge of the subject.
Expert: Involves advanced and more complex understanding of the subject.
- Biology (Proficiency level: Beginner)
- Research (Proficiency level: Beginner)
- Biomedical (Proficiency level: Beginner)
Speakers
Trainer's Profile:
Yeo Joo Guan, Asst. Professor, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre
Dr Yeo Joo Guan is a Senior Consultant in Paediatric Medicine in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. He earned his M.B., B.S. and Masters of Medicine (Paediatric Medicine) from the National University of Singapore (NUS). During his advanced speciality training, he obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology programme, NUS, on the role of serine protease C1s in lupus pathogenesis supported by the Ministry of Health's Healthcare Research Scholarship in 2014.
Trainer's Profile:
Professor Toh Han Chong, Senior Consultant, Professor, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre
Dr Toh is Senior Consultant and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Strategic Partnerships), Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore. He graduated from the University of London, UK with an intercalated Bachelor of Science in ‘Infection and Immunity’ from St Mary’s Hospital Medical School and qualified as a medical doctor from University of Cambridge, UK. Dr Toh obtained his Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in 2003. He received his medical oncology fellowship training at the Singapore General Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston USA, and at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Dr Toh is alumni at the Harvard Business School General Management Program. He is a recipient of National Senior Clinician Scientist Award in 2017 and National Medical Excellence Award (NMEA) in 2018 for his pioneering work in cell and immunotherapy for cancer.
Instructor's Profile:
Raihan Jumat, Asst. Professor, Duke-NUS Medical School
Dr. Raihan Jumat is a dedicated educator and educationalist with a career in designing and leading educational programs, particularly in medical education and translational medicine. Leveraging his background as a virologist, Raihan brings a unique and interdisciplinary perspective to his teaching and research. Raihan’s academic interests include assessments, burnout, grit, and team-based learning, reflecting his commitment to fostering innovative and impactful educational practices. He has held teaching positions at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and King Abdullah University of Science & Technology in Saudi Arabia. His teaching portfolio spans diverse learner groups, from high school students to postgraduate scholars, equipping him with a broad and enriching understanding of educational needs across levels.
