Bachelor of Science
in Clinical Research

Dr. Janie Canty-Mitchell, Associate Dean for Research and Community Partnerships

Dr. RuthAnne Kuiper, Interim Department Chair

Dr. Kris Walters, Clinical Research Program Director

Program Description

UNCW's B.S. in Clinical Research prepares individuals to participate in the science and business of developing health care products from discovery to market and human utilization. This four year undergraduate program includes a didactic curriculum and a mentored experience or internship in clinical research during the senior year.  All CLR courses are online.  The degree is ideal for individuals desiring to enter the area of biopharmaceutical, biologic, and device development, or for those individuals already in the biopharmaceutical industry looking to gain an education specific to clinical research such as data management, regulatory affairs, clinical compliance, monitoring, and/or pharmacovigilence.

Program Objectives

The curriculum is designed to provide competency in:

• clinical research methodologies, including protocols and regulatory compliance,
• data collection, analysis and synthesis derived from human-oriented research,
• research ethics,
• assessment and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of investigational products,
• application of knowledge and skills gained in the basic sciences to clinical situations,
• oral and written scientific presentation, and
• collaborative team membership.

Requirements for Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research Program

• Admission to University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Completion of UNCW Basic Studies
• completion of clinical Research Program prerequisite courses: BIO 201, 240, 241, 246; CHM 101, 102; MAT 111; PSY 105, 223; SOC 105; STT 210
• Grade of “C” or better in required science, math, and statistics courses
• Completed application to the Clinical Research Program
• Recommendation of Student Affairs Committee and approval of the Dean and Clinical Research Faculty

Internship Requirements include:

• Professional liability insurance
• Verification of health insurance
• Negative drug screen

Note: Program requirements must be adjusted to accommodate new competencies and regulatory guidelines. Students are advised to check with the academic advisor(s) or the associate dean for academic affairs to keep abreast of programmatic changes.

Ten-Year Rule: Science courses which are more than ten years old will be evaluated by the Clinical Research faculty for relevance.

Computer Competency: To satisfy the computer competency requirement for the BS in Clinical Research, a student must successfully complete CLR 301 Basics of Clinical Research.

Oral Communication Competency: To satisfy the oral communication competency requirement for the BS in Clinical Research, a student must successfully complete CLR 305 Clinical Research Seminar.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research: 125 hours

Link to Degree Requirements Table

Prerequisite Courses: PSY 105, PSY 223, CHM 101, CHM 102, BIO 201, BIO 240, BIO 241, BIO 246, MAT 111, SOC 105, and STT 210. (Note: These courses are the required prerequisite courses for the B.S. in Clinical Research that must be completed or in progress at the time of application to the UNCW Clinical Research Program in addition to completion of the UNCW Basic Studies requirements which usually occurs at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year. The prerequisite courses also satisfy the Basic Studies requirements in the social and behavioral sciences and the natural and mathematical sciences).

Core courses: NSG 250, NSG 325, PSY 366 or SOC 345, PAR 215, CLR 301, CHM 211, CHML 211, CLR 305, CLR 310, CLR 320, CLR 330, MKT 340, CLR 410, CLR 420, CLR 430, CLR 440, CLR 450, CLRL 450, CLR 498, CLR 460. (Note: Students do not take these courses until they are accepted into the UNCW Clinical Research Program).

A minimum of “C” is required in each required Clinical Research core course to progress in the major. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better is required for graduation.

Many of the required courses are sequential, have prerequisites, and may be offered only once a year; therefore, it is imperative that students consult with the academic advisor and follow the prescribed program of study. Students are also expected to compete the university Basic Studies requirements during the freshman and sophomore years because of the rigor and concentration of lab courses and the internship in the major. The recommended 15-17 semester hour course load each semester is necessary to complete the program in four academic years. In addition to the Basic Studies and required prerequisite courses, elective credits are also included in the 125 minimum requirements for graduation.

61 hours Concentration in Clinical Research

64 hours Basic Studies and Prerequisites/Collateral

125 total Semester Credit Hours

For additional questions or more information contact:
Ms. Patti Schulz
Student Services Counselor
Email: schulzp@uncw.edu

page updated August 6, 2009