The MS-BATS degree requirements emphasize analytic, methodological, theoretical and practical techniques that equip physicians and students to conduct, implement and evaluate clinical research at the junction of basic science and clinical medicine. Students are expected to develop a study design, conduct research, choose a research mentor, write, defend, and submit a thesis or a capstone project, applying the principles learned throughout the year.
The curriculum involves coursework and research training. Students will focus on the required coursework needed to establish a solid foundation in the fundamental disciplines underlying modern biomedical and clinical research. The curriculum provides extensive research training where students will choose a research mentor and apply those principles learned during their coursework.
The MS-BATS program is a one-year curriculum. Students are required to enroll in core courses including:
- BATS 201 Pathways in Clinical and Translational Science
- BATS 209A Introduction to Medical Statistics
- BATS 232 Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials
- BATS 296 Ethics in Clinical Research
Additionally, students will be required to enroll in the BATS 280 Seminar Series (3 quarters) and either 295 Master’s Thesis (3 quarters) or 299 Independent Mentored Research (3 quarters).
One elective course will be offered as part of the curriculum. Examples of additional elective courses include Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology, Comparative Effectiveness Research, Health Politics and Policy, Measurement Science, Outcomes Research and Advanced Applied Methods, Disparities in Health and Health Care, Introduction to Medical Statistics II, and Quality, Efficiency, and Cost-effectiveness.
The program culminates in a written thesis or capstone project.
Sample One-year Program, Plan I (Thesis Option)
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
BATS 296 Ethics |
BATS 232 Design |
Elective |
BATS 240 Science Communication |
BATS 201 Pathways |
BATS 209A Stats |
||
BATS 280 Seminar |
BATS 280 Seminar |
BATS 280 Seminar |
|
295 Master's Thesis |
295 Master’s Thesis |
295 Master’s Thesis |
|
8 units |
12 units |
12 units |
12 units |
Sample One-year Program, Plan II (Capstone Project Option)
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
BATS 296 Ethics |
BATS 232 Design |
Elective |
BATS 240 Science Communication |
BATS 201 Pathways |
BATS 209A Stats |
||
BATS 280 Seminar |
BATS 280 Seminar |
BATS 280 Seminar |
|
299 Independent Mentored Research |
299 Independent Mentored Research |
299 Independent Mentored Research |
|
8 units |
12 units |
12 units |
12 units |
Student Research Involvement
Students in UCI School of Medicine degree programs participate as partners in our cutting-edge research efforts.
MS-BATS offers a Research Certificate Program through UCI’s Division of Continuing Education. The Clinical Research Certificate Program carries full graduate course credit and includes four core MS-BATS courses. These four courses are transferable toward the MS-BATS degree.
Thesis Defense or Capstone Project
Completing a thesis defense or capstone project by the end of the program is required for all students to earn their MS-BATS degree. Students will work with their approved committee members to complete their thesis defense or capstone project.
