Bachelor of Science
in Clinical Research

Dr. Virginia W. Adams, Dean

Dr. Bettie J. Glenn, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Dr. Kris Walters, Clinical Research Program Director

Description of the Program

This undergraduate program will prepare health science professionals to participate in the science and business of developing health care products and protocols, 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. The Basic Studies, Collaterals, and Electives (64 hours) and Core Curriculum (61 hours) are designed to provide competency in methodologies, including protocol development 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 to clinical situations; oral and written scientific presentation; and collaborative team membership. All CLR courses are online or web enhanced.

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 and required CLR prerequisite and collateral courses: BIO 201, 240, 241, 246; CHM 101, 102; CSC 110; MAT 111; PSY 105, 223, PSY 366 or SOC 345; SOC 105: STT 210
• Grade of “C” (2.0) or better in required science courses
• Completed application to Clinical Research Program with application fee
• Recommendation of Student Affairs Committee in School of Nursing
• Approval of the Clinical Research Faculty and the dean

Special Health Requirement for School of Nursing -- Hepatitis B immunization (or signed declination), annual physical exam, and annual TB skin test or chest x-ray prior to clinical enrollment. A drug screen is also required for clinical placement and matriculation as relevant.

Other special requirements: Current CPR (Adult and Child), Annual Liability Insurance, Health Insurance, Criminal Background Check, and other requirements stipulated by clinical agencies.

Clinical Lab/Internship Requirements include:

• Current immunization record (including TB and Hepatitis B)
• CPR certification
• 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

Collateral courses: PSY 105, PSY 223, CHM 101, CHM 102, CSC 110, BIO 201, BIO 240, BIO 241, BIO 246, MAT 111, SOC 105, and STT 210. (Note: Completion of these courses will satisfy the basic studies requirements in the social and behavioral sciences and the natural and mathematical sciences.

Core courses: NSG 250, NSGL 250, NSG 325, PSY 366 or SOC 345, PAR 215, CLR 301, CHM 211, CHML 211, CLR 305, CLR 310, CLR 320, CLR 330, CLR 410, CLR 420, CLR 430, CLR 440, CLR 450, CLRL 450, CLR 498, CLR 460, MKT 340.

A minimum of “C” (2.0) is required in each required Clinical Research Major course in order 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

page updated September 20, 2006