Clinical research powers every new drug, device, and therapy that reaches patients. This course gives you the foundational knowledge you need to understand how clinical trials are structured, how drug and medical device development works, and who the key players are at every stage.

Foundations of Clinical Research

Foundations of Clinical Research
This course is part of Microsoft Clinical Research Coordinator Professional Certificate

Instructor: Microsoft
Included with Learn more
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
7 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Explain the purpose and lifecycle of clinical research, including preclinical transition and Phase I–IV study goals.
Differentiate clinical trial designs and phase objectives across drug and device studies.
Describe the major stages of drug development from discovery through post-marketing monitoring.
Compare medical device and drug development in regulatory pathways and clinical evidence requirements.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know

Shareable certificate
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Recently updated!
October 2026
Taught in English
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Build your Research expertise
This course is part of the Microsoft Clinical Research Coordinator Professional Certificate
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate from Microsoft

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