Building Clinical Trials: A Step-by-Step Guide for Psychiatric Neuroscience

2–3 credits · Graduate

This course offers a step-by-step introduction to designing clinical trials in psychiatric neuroscience. Students will explore the current landscape of psychiatric research and examine how well-designed human trials are essential for advancing treatment and bridging the gap left by the limitations of animal models. Drawing on examples from a range of psychiatric disorders, the course covers research question formulation (PICO, FINER), trial design types, outcome measurement, participant recruitment, randomization and blinding, neuroimaging integration (fMRI, TMS), research ethics and IRB processes, and the practical realities of feasibility, funding, and failure. Students will leave with a draft protocol for a trial of their own design