CAS Clinical Research I (Clinical Trial Planning and Conduct) Certificate of Advanced Studies
This program is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to begin or advance a career in clinical research. It offers a solid foundation in the development of new therapies, with a particular emphasis on drug development. Participants will gain insight into the ethical principles guiding research involving human participants, learn about the regulatory and legal frameworks governing clinical studies, and develop core competencies in planning and conducting clinical trials.
Basic Program: Foundation of Clinical Research
The goal of the basic program is to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to begin a career in clinical research. This includes:
- Understanding the development process of new therapies, with a focus on drug development.
- Learning the key roles and responsibilities within clinical research teams.
- Gaining insight into the planning and conduct of clinical trials.
- Acquiring knowledge of the regulatory and legal framework governing clinical studies.
This continuing education program has been designed to meet the needs of young clinical research professionals from industry and academia (study nurses, study coordinators, study physicians, clinical trial/research associates, clinical monitors), as well as for new members of ethics committees. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for graduates from life sciences and medical schools to gain a comprehensive understanding of the phases of clinical research and the practical aspects of clinical trial planning and conduct.
Students who are interested in a broader training on operational aspects of clinical trials including management and leadership skills may be interested in complementing their knowledge through an additional CAS Clinical Research II (Advanced Clinical Trial Management). After successful completion of both the CAS Clinical Research I and the CAS Clinical Research II, it is possible to receive the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) Clinical Trial Practice and Management by composition of a diploma thesis and passing a final oral examination.
| Course language: | English |
| Duration: | approx. 12 months |
| Next Start: | February 5, 2026 |
| Workload and ECTS: | 96 contact hours (plus additional assignments, pre-readings and online parts), 11 ECTS |
Classroom training dates 2026
- Modul 1, Basics of clinical research: February 5-6, 2026
- Modul 2, Clinical study planning: June 01-03, 2026
- Modul 3, Clinical study conduct: September 03-04, 2026
This program consists of three modules. Each module includes:
- Online Training for self-paced learning and individual study.
- Classroom Sessions featuring practical exercises, case studies, and group discussions.
- Assessment through multiple-choice tests to verify acquired competencies.
- Homework Assignments designed to deepen understanding and apply concepts in real-world scenarios.
- Workshadowing 5-days, allowing participants to observe clinical research professionals in practice and reflect on their experience in a written report.
Classroom Training
- Modul 1, Basics of clinical research, 2 days
- Modul 2, Clinical study planning, 3 days
- Modul 3, Clinical study conduct, 2 days
Online training material will be available approximately one month prior the respective classroom training. Course certificates will be issued after successful completion of all online module tests, submission of all pre- and homework assignments and submission of the work-shadowing report.
This course is open for everyone who is interested in entering the field of clinical research or seeking a structured introduction to its key concepts and practices. It is especially appropriate for people working in any area of clinical research either in academia or in industry (study nurses, study coordinators, clinical research associates, study physicians, assistant physicians, etc.)
The admission requirements are:
- A degree (Bachelor's or Master's) from a university recognised by the University of Basel in the fields of medicine, health sciences, nursing sciences, natural sciences and other disciplines related to the degree programme
- Very good command of oral and written English
In exceptional cases, candidates who can demonstrate an adequate professional background and professional qualifications may also be admitted to the degree programme.
Minimum 20 and maximum 40 participants.
Fee CHF 7,000
Reduced course fee DKF research group members (for details see *)
*) The Department of Clinical Research (DKF) offers training grants for members of DKF research groups which result in a reduced fee of CHF 5,500. The reduction will be applied when registering for the program. Please note, that training grants can only be offered to DKF clinical research group members, who are working at the group leaders’ local study center
Fees include course materials, provisions during coffee/tea breaks and overhead fees. The course fee will be collected in two equal tranches approximately 6 months apart.
Cancellation and withdrawal
Cancellations made prior to the closing date for enrolment will not be subject to any charge. If a cancellation is made after the closing date for enrolment, the full applicable fee will be charged. Course fees already paid will not be refunded. Should participants withdraw from the program or discontinue participation, no discount from the course fee will be granted and any share of the course fee will not be refunded.
Director of Studies:
- Dr. Andrea Kiemen
Teaching staff:
The multidisciplinary teaching faculty consists of national and international experts in clinical research ethics, regulatory sciences and the different fields of operational clinical research.
Mareike Gräter
Training and Education
Department Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel
c/o University Hospital Basel
Spitalstrasse 8/12
CH-4031 Basel
mareike.graeter@clutterusb.ch
Tel. +41 61 556 59 76
If you are interested to participate in the course 2026, please apply here.
Deadline for application will be November 3rd, 2025. Please note that the course has always been fully booked before the deadline in recent years, so we recommend registering early.
The following course cycle will start in February 2027. If you are interested to participate, please register here and you will be informed about all news and the opening of registration of the next course cycle.
Registration for the CASI in 2027 will be open in summer 2026.
Medical Faculty of the University of Basel
For PhD Students: To add this course to your academic record, please create a Learning Contract on MOnA, before the start day of the course and follow the instructions of your respective faculty. Please note, that 3 ECTS can be obtained.
Universitätsspital Basel
Hebelstrasse 10
4031 Basel
Hörsaal 6 (ZG), Markgräflerhof (beim Blutspendezentrum)