Training and Education

Aga Khan University's (AKU) Clinical Epidemiology Unit (CEU) is proactive in conducting courses, seminars and workshops on clinical research methods, biostatistics, data management, and related areas. CEU also conducts short courses regularly in basic and advanced epidemiology and biostatistics, including conduct of clinical trials, and basic computer skills required for using statistical software for data analysis.

Master of Science programme in Clinical Research 2008 (for AKU Postgraduate Medical Education trainees only) has been started to promote an academic research culture at AKU, particularly amongst clinical residents, fellows and faculty.

• Application Form
• Brochure

• Application Form
• Brochure
• Scholars' Comments

Selected and Advanced Concepts in Biostatistics

This course, attended by around 20 clinicians and researchers from AKU, and students of Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology programme, was directed by Mohammad Hossein Rahbar, PhD, Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University and the Director of Michigan State University's Data Coordinating Center. Dr Rahbar is a former Head of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division in CHS.

The following topics were covered:

• Measures of Association;
• Regression and Correlation;
• Odds Ratio/Risk, Ratio/Risk Difference/Kappa Statistic;
• Questionnaires and Other Data Collection Tools/Qualitative Methods;
• Confounding and standardisation.
• Identification of the confounding variables;
• Using Stratification as a technique to control for the effect of confounding variables;
• Introduction to the Logistic Regression Model;
• Testing for the significance of the coefficients in a Logistic Regression;
• Interpretation of the coefficients in a Logistic Regression Model;
• Assessment of the goodness of the fit and adequacy of the Logistic Regression Models.

Continuing Public Health Education

Almost 700 people have taken the Regional Officers Training Programme (RTP) has been offered by the Department of CHS since 1995. A significant proportion of the participants of this course are from 11 countries outside Pakistan (e.g. countries in South and Central Asia, East Africa and the Middle East). The Epidemiology and Biostatistics module of the RTP would now be directed by the CEU.

Seminars in Clinical Research

In an effort to enhance high quality multidisciplinary research across campus, CEU is pleased to announce the introduction of a new initiative-“Seminars in Clinical Research”.

This forum would provide an opportunity to brain storm new research ideas, and is expected to contribute to innovative knowledge creation and debate.

This exercise was conducted fortnightly for one hour during January to April 2007, and was open to all faculty, staff and trainees interested in scientific exchange and stimulating discussions on development of research questions and study design.

At each session, at least one ongoing research project was presented for discussion and critical appraisal.

Seminars were staffed by senior researchers and clinicians at AKU, and attended by faculty enrolled in the Clinical Scholars Programme, and PGME residents from the Master of Science in Clinical Research programme.

Faculty and trainees from all departments were encouraged to attend, and also to bring their work and ideas for discussion to the meeting.

Seminars Schedule January to April 2007: