This foundational course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, methodologies, and ethical frameworks of medical research. Designed for students, early-career researchers, and healthcare professionals, the curriculum bridges the gap between a clinical question and a robustly designed study. Participants will gain the essential skills to critically appraise published literature, design methodologically sound studies, and understand the lifecycle of a research project.

The course systematically covers the entire research process, beginning with the formulation of a testable research question and a systematic review of the literature. It delves into the major study designs—including cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, and randomized controlled trials—and provides a practical overview of biostatistics, enabling students to understand and interpret common statistical analyses. Significant emphasis is placed on the ethical conduct of research, the protection of human subjects, and the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). By the end of the course, students will be proficient in navigating the regulatory and practical considerations necessary to translate a research idea into a well-structured protocol.