Medical Research: Advancing Human Health
Explore the world of medical research. Uncover the mysteries of human health and disease in this dynamic online course. You’ll explore the scientific process from molecular techniques to community health interventions, learning how scientists design experiments, analyze data, and translate discoveries into life-saving treatments. Discover the diverse pathways to a career in medicine and the power of research to improve global health.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 2- and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,495
Uncover the Future of Medicine
Embark on Your Medical Research Journey
Discover the diverse world of medical research, gaining a foundational understanding of its importance and impact. Explore the scientific method, research methodologies, and the translation of discoveries into real-world applications.
Investigate the Cellular and Molecular Basis of Medicine
Delve into the world of molecular and cellular research, exploring the techniques and methodologies that drive innovation. Learn how scientists formulate testable hypotheses and use cutting-edge technologies to solve complex biological questions.
Unlock Biological Secrets with Model Organisms
Learn how model organisms, from fruit flies to zebrafish, play a crucial role in understanding human biology and disease. Discover how scientists select the right model for specific research questions and explore ethical considerations.
From Lab Discoveries to Clinical Applications
Bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications in translational research. Discover how scientists move treatments from animal models to human research, leading to new therapies and medical breakthroughs.
Translating Research into Real-World Impact
Learn how medical research informs community and population-level interventions to improve health outcomes. Explore real-world examples of how epidemiological studies translate clinical findings into public health strategies.
Showcase Your Knowledge
Select a medical discovery and analyze its impact on current medical practices. Then, propose a future research question that could lead to new medical breakthroughs.
How You Will Benefit
- Gain an understanding of medical research methodologies from molecular to population levels
- Explore diverse research environments and lab techniques used across various model systems
- Learn how scientific discoveries translate into medical innovations and real-world applications
- Discover potential career paths and learn from leading experts in the field
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze research findings and assess their impact on healthcare
- Complete a Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Capstone Project
All online courses culminate in a capstone project that allows you to:
- Select a provided cellular/molecular or model organism discovery and trace its evolution from initial lab findings to current applications.
- Examine the real-world impact of the discovery on medical practices, including its successes, limitations, and influence on diagnostics or treatments.
- Propose an innovative, feasible research question that builds upon the discovery, with the potential to advance medical care.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies
- Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Capstone Project
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule
- Flexible learning format through video lessons. Tune in anytime that works for you
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Course Designed by University of Notre Dame Faculty
Zachary T. Schafer, Ph.D.
Coleman Foundation Associate Professor of Cancer Biology
Dr. Schafer, a 2001 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, is the Coleman Foundation Associate Professor of Cancer Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences. After earning his Ph.D. from Duke University and completing postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School, he returned to Notre Dame in 2009. His lab, supported by the National Cancer Institute and recognized with prestigious awards, focuses on cancer biology. He serves as co-chair of the American Cancer Society's Metastasis & Microenvironment Peer Review Committee and is an Associate Editor for Breast Cancer Research.
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Frequently asked questions
When will you find out if you’ve been accepted? How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time will you get to complete a project?Answers to your questions are here.
Admissions
Our application is simple. You can expect a prompt decision.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your Profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.