Science of Clinical Investigation Training Program

Online Science of Clinical Investigation (SOCI) Training Program

The online version of the SOCI Training Program was designed specifically for clinical scientists worldwide without physical access to the BSPH campus. While the method of instruction is asynchronous vs. synchronous, the concept and requirements for the online SOCI program remain the same as the on-campus program. 

Program Requirements  

Participants must satisfactorily complete the following four required courses, in addition to the *Introduction to Online Learning module:

390.678.81 Quality Improvement and Knowledge Translation 

  • Summarize the importance of and point of view regarding quality improvement/knowledge translation for policymakers, providers, and the public
  • Describe one conceptual framework for quality improvement/knowledge translation research
  • Identify and assess barriers and facilitators for quality improvement/knowledge translation interventions
  • Discuss issues regarding the selection, tailoring, and implementation of quality improvement/knowledge translation interventions
  • Apply the concepts and tools to a quality improvement/knowledge translation project of the student's choosing

390.673.81 Emerging Ethical and Regulatory Issues in Clinical Research 

  • Reflect on the fundamental ethical principles that govern biomedical research and judge whether research proposals adhere to these principles
  • Characterize the fundamentals of informed consent from the ethical, legal, and regulatory perspectives
  • Identify the requirements and procedures for IRB approval of human subject research, including HIPAA regulations
  • Critique emerging ethical and regulatory issues in clinical research using big health data, artificial intelligence, software as medical devices
  • Evaluate the impact of law and policy on clinical research

390.676.81 Design of Clinical Studies (non-credit, only open to SOCI Award candidates)

  • Develop a research question
  • Specify a testable hypothesis
  • Select a study design understanding strengths and weaknesses
  • Prepare a data and analysis plan
  • Estimate study power and sample size
  • Prepare and present a research protocol

390.672.81 Quantitative Analysis of Clinical Data (non-credit, only open to SOCI Award candidates)

  • Read, understand and critically discuss quantitative methods used in the scientific literature on clinical investigation
  • Produce effective graphical and tabular displays of data and interpret results
  • Understand the fundamentals of statistical inference
  • Communicate effectively with a biostatistician as part of team science
  • Prerequisite Course:  390.676.81 Design of Clinical Studies

*Required for all first-time participants taking an online BSPH course.  It is a free, non-credit mini-course, that must be completed before enrolling in any online courses. 

Course Requirements

  • Each course must be taken non-credit.
  • 6 of 8 sessions must be attended (per course), and all online discussions, homework, and class assignments must be completed, including any take-home exams or projects.

Course Schedule

The BSPH Academic Year consists of four 8-week terms. Please view the current Academic Year Calendar.

First Term (September-October)390.678.81 Quality Improvement and Knowledge Translation
Second Term (October-December)390.673.81 Emerging Ethical and Regulatory Issues in Clinical Research
Third Term (January-March)390.676.81 Design of Clinical Studies 
Fourth Term (March-May)390.672.81 Quantitative Analysis of Clinical Studies

The program is not open to Johns Hopkins University (JHU) degree students. 

Participants may apply and begin the program at any point during the academic year.

The program must be completed within three years of entry.  

An Achievement Award, signed by the Dean of the Bloomberg School and the SOCI Program Director, will be presented to those who successfully complete four or more courses. This award may be acceptable as evidence of advanced clinical investigation training for employment or advancement.

Application Instructions

Apply Now ► SOCI Online Application

  • Apply Now (directly under NEW STUDENTS)
  • Then click Start
  • Under the first drop-down box Select Non-Degree Opportunity of Interest SELECT ~> Science of Clinical Investigation
  • Then click Next Page

Program Tuition

Each SOCI course is taken non-credit, and is equal to 3 credits at the part-time tuition rate. Please see the BSPH tuition rates for more details.