The InterEd Faculty of Clinical Research (IFCR-India), a clinical research, training and placement organisation affiliated to the Canada based York College of Industry and Technology, will commence a postgraduate diploma course in clinical research (PGDCR) at Mumbai and Pune shortly.

The curriculum of the 12 months' post graduate diploma course covers areas including basic science, computer application, literature survey, biostatistics and various ethical guidelines such as ICH, GCP, GLP, USFDA, ICMR, WHO. Introduction to IPR, various regulatory requirements, protocol design, data collection and data management also form part of the course.

The PGDCR course is designed to provide the participants theoretical and practical knowledge along with skills on executing clinical research and clinical trials for therapeutic and regulatory affairs. The course contents conform to the global standards and it has approval across the globe, the institution spokesperson said.

Talking about the course, Dr Vinod Kadam, head of administration, IFCR-India, Mumbai, said, "In addition to the comprehensive in-house requirements of a course, it will provide the scholars an opportunity to participate in practical sessions in reputed research institutions and organisations to gain valuable work experience."

The 52 weeks' weekend course, which includes eight week's internship in both domestic and multinational companies, CROs and hospitals, offers a stipend of Rs 4500 per month during the period of the course. The IFCR is offering a fully residential programme at its Kochi campus.

The centre is also providing training to the graduates in medicine, pharmacy and allied sciences to become competent researchers and well equipped to face the challenges of global standards and quality. The centre also enrolls and prepares graduates in the field of medicine, pharmacy, ayurvedic sciences & physiotherapy and master degree holders in biotechnology, microbiology, biostatistics, genetics and biochemistry for a Canadian PG program in Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs in India, the spokesperson added.