Translational medicine
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This module uncovers the translational research ‘pipeline’ underpinning the development of many medical interventions. You’ll cover the key aspects of this multidisciplinary process, including preclinical research, clinical trials and practice implementation. Beginning with the fundamentals of translational research, you’ll next examine three case studies featuring interventions applied in distinct contexts: ACL injury, Parkinson’s Disease and cancer. You’ll also use published scientific articles to develop your literature engagement and critical thinking skills. By the end of the module, you’ll have a thorough understanding of translational research practices and how they can be applied to develop therapeutic interventions for various health conditions.
What you will study
Topic 1: Fundamentals of translational medicine
First, you’ll develop your core knowledge and understanding of translational research, a process often conceptualised as a multi-step ‘pipeline’. You’ll follow the journey of how basic scientific ideas translate into clinically effective treatments, focusing on crucial ethical, safety and regulatory considerations and the importance of detailed and standardised translational research plans, reports and outcomes. To illustrate key aspects, you’ll examine contemporary real-world examples.
Topic 2: Musculoskeletal medicine case study
In Topic 2, you’ll start by understanding the musculoskeletal system and the impact of associated conditions on individuals and society, focusing on the knee and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) damage. You’ll then explore the structure and function of the knee, followed by knee biomechanics and the mechanisms of ACL injury. Finally, you’ll learn about the development and efficacy of surgical interventions for ACL repair, as well as research in preventative medicine intended to reduce the occurrence of these potentially devastating injuries.
Topic 3: Parkinson’s Disease case study
In the third topic, you’ll begin by considering the signs, symptoms and pathophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease, focusing on its impact on central nervous system signalling mediated by the neurotransmitter dopamine. Next, you’ll explore the developmental journeys of pharmacological- and device-based therapeutic interventions, including deep brain stimulation, before looking at ongoing research into biological-based approaches, including stem cell treatment. You’ll also consider integrating multiple treatment methods, including psychological, occupational and physical therapies, into a holistic management strategy.
Topic 4: Cancer case study
The final case study is on developing and optimising a monoclonal antibody treatment for cancer while considering side effects like cardiotoxicity. You’ll first look at the molecular target of the therapy and the associated signalling cascade. Next, you’ll examine the therapeutic agent’s preclinical development, mechanistic characterisation and initial clinical deployment. Finally, you’ll explore how modifications to the agent and treatment regimens enhance efficacy.
Topic 5: Unifying themes
The last topic brings together the key themes. You’ll reflect on the current state of the translational research process and the ‘pipeline’ concept, considering what the future may hold for translational medicine.
You will learn
In addition to learning about the practices of translational research and how they can be applied in the development of therapeutic interventions for a variety of health conditions, this module will guide you through engaging with a variety of items selected from the published scientific literature by the module team. This will build your skills in reading, analysing and critically evaluating articles detailing key scientific advances that have been prepared according to the professional standards of the disciplines featured in the module. The module will also build your confidence in scientific communication practices through various modes of delivery.
Entry requirements
You must have passed or be studying the following:
Or two of the following:
Preparatory work
You’ll be able to access the module website 2–3 weeks before the module starts, so you can learn to navigate the website and organise your study plan. A module primer which contains basic concepts relevant to the module that you should understand will also be provided. You can use this primer both to refresh your knowledge before starting your studies and as a resource throughout the module.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio, animation and video content
- interactive content such as an interactive brain explorer
- assignment details and submission information
- online tutorial access
- access to student and tutor group forums.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.