APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application Procedure

For Indian Nationals, enquiries about the program and requests for Application Forms and Prospectus should be made directly to Mir-IFCR India through mail or online to

The Registrar 
Mir-IFCR India
Little Flower Campus 
CC 37/715, S.A.Road, Kadavanthara,
Cochin-682 020, Kerala, India 

Completed Applications must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the commencement of the program. Students applying after the commencement date will not be considered for training for the ongoing intake. However conditional admission may be offered for a subsequent intake commencing either in March/ June/ September/ December.

Completed Applications should be submitted to the Administrative Department of Mir-IFCR India and should include:

• Biodata
• The signed Application Form
• 4 passport size and 2 stamp size color photographs.
• Attested copies of all official academic transcripts/mark lists from Secondary School onwards (Orginals to be submitted upon admission)
• Synopsis of research or project work done (if any)
• Two references (work / academic related).
• Application fee of Rs. 300/-(DD Favouring Mir-IFCR-India, payable at Kochi)

MIR-IFCR CURRICULUM

MIR Inter - Ed Faculty of CLINICAL RESEARCH

CRST 148 - Statistics for Clinical Research

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of descriptive and research statistics. Students will learn to define, develop and conduct statistical research. Upon successful completion of this course, students shall be able to comprehend statistical terminology, determine statistical and confidence level values, generate descriptive and inferential statistics, test correlation between variables, normalize data distributions, develop component research questions, conduct statistical analysis, formulate statistical hypothesis, define appropriate population, samples, variables and collect and measure data.

CRET 170 - Ethical Considerations in Clinical Research

The efficacy and safety of a new drug is demonstrated by phase I to IV Clinical Trials. GCP is an ethical and scientific quality standard for the design, conduct performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analysis and reporting of Clinical Trials. In order to use clinical data internationally as also for registration purposes, all clinical trials must conform to GCP standards. This course provides in detail the principles and practices for conduct of a Clinical Trial.

The main aim of this course is to introduce the student to sort out practical issues in ethics he/she will encounter in the field, lab and clinical practice. The course focuses on actual cases rather than on principles and hypothetical situations. Students will examine cases from the real world of clinical research. This course will not provide the student with a set of "correct answers" to ethical issues in medical research. Instead, the goal of this course is to equip the student to identify an ethical issue as and when it arises in the practice of clinical research, and the appropriate regulations and guidelines to follow in such situations.

CREC 126 - Epidemiology in Clinical Research

The course is broadly divided into three major areas.

Basic Epidemiology and observational methods.
Interventional and randomized controlled trials.
Clinical Epidemiology and evidence-based medicine.

Each section of the course will culminate in a short examination. Section 1 will cover concepts of association and outcome, introduce standard epidemiological concepts of incidence and prevalence, define and describe relative risk, absolute risk, attributable risk and various methods for calculating those quantities in different observational research designs. Definitions and methods for reducing bias and confounding are major components of this section. The second session introduces interventional trials, including phase1 and phase2 drug trials, the importance and effects on randomization and the analysis and interpretation of controlled trials. The methods for comparing results of trials, as well as an introduction to non-standard trial designs are provided. The final section of the course introduces the students to the concepts of clinical Epidemiology including evidence of space medicine, interpretation of diagnostic tests, construction and use of clinical prediction rules and evaluation of screening for chronic diseases.

CRRM 190 - Research Methodology

This course provides comprehensive introduction to Clinical Research process, its history and evolution. Topics include, the phases of clinical trials, protection of human subjects, role of clinical research teams, and responsibilities of clinical research organizations. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare an organizational chart depicting a typical research team, defining the roles or responsibilities of each member.

This course introduces students to the scientific development of research protocols and their key elements. Topics include differentiation between research design types, rules for writing protocols, ethical considerations relative to research protocols and the methodology for preparation of data collection forms. Upon completion, students will be able to identify the primary components of protocols and effectively develop a protocol draft.

CRCA 104 - Computer Application

The course is designed and intended to provide research scholars through knowledge on advanced database management systems. Scholars would be able to create a conceptual scheme based on specified data requirements and to design a logical database based on the same. Topics include functional dependancy and normalization, entity/relationship diagrams, data protection etc.

The Scholar will also be introduced to relational database concepts. Topics covered include creating database, adding, displaying and editing records, data queries, sorting and indexing files, creating forms and report using built in "wizards".

CRPM 125/135 - Project Management-Planning and Control

This course will introduce scholars to the fundamentals of Project Management. It is designed to develop an understanding of the traditional and modern applications of Project Management methodology. Topics covered include projects in business and technical environments, project development and basic knowledge required for the effective management of projects with specific focus on the clinical research industry. The Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK), published by Project Management(PMI), is being used as the primary text for this course.

This course introduces research scholars to the challenges involved in implementing and managing a clinical study. Topics include overall Project Planning, Development of study goals, Preparation of Budgets and Contracts, Implementing and Monitoring visits, Effective Management of Research Sites, Strategic Planning, Developing Project Charter, and Project Scope including Basic and Advanced Techniques used to develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS). The course also highlights the Strategic importance of Project Milestones and the Determining of Project Phases. Upon completion, the scholar would be in a position to design and prepare a plan for the implementation and management of a Clinical Research Project. Through theoretical and practical examples, the scholar will learn the skills and techniques used for planning projects. 

CRP 1248 - Clinical Practicum

Upon completion of the theoretical portion of the program, research scholars will be provided opportunities to work in a clinical environment to gain practical experience and to apply the theoretical skills learned. The practical part is a formal component of the program and will be separately evaluated. Scholars will also undergo the Continuing Research Education Program (CREP) while they undertake their Clinical Practicum and will be awarded credits both for the internship and the CREP, before taking the final qualifying exam.

PARTNERS AND AFFILIATIONS

Mir-IFCR-India partners with some of the most respected education, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical, and healthcare organizations globally. Prior to agreeing to a partnership, Mir-IFCR India makes sure each organization meets the stringent standards Mir-IFCR India has established for itself, its staff, its students, and its partners involving but not limited to ethics, professionalism, philanthropy, and education.


Quality Standards and Awards


ISO 9001-2000 from British Standards Institute (BSI Global London).


International Educational Associations

• Campbell University, www.campbell.edu, North Carolina, USA
• Inter-Ed Centre for Foreign Education and Management Training
• Bournemouth University, UK - (Inter-Ed)
• Southern New Hampshire University, USA - (Inter-Ed)
• California Baptist University, USA - (Inter-Ed)
• University of Findlay, USA- (Inter-Ed)
• INTI College, Malaysia (Inter-Ed)

Indian University Affiliations

• IGNOU, India
• Goa University, India
• Sikkim Manipal University (SMU)

Industry Affiliations

• Trans Atlantic Spine Inc., FL, USA
• Alzheimer's & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI)
• AABC Technopark, Trivandrum, Website
• The Indian Institute of Arbitration and Management (IIAM), Kochi.
• Arjuna Natural Extracts, Kerala
• ICRC- Kard Scientific - India

Research Hospitals

• VNH Maternity & Childcare Centre, Trivandrum
• St.Marys Hospital, Thodupuzha, Kerala
• Krishna Hospital, Ernakulam, Kerala
• Rajas Dental College, Nagercoil, Tamilnadu
• Roshan Eye Care Hospital, Tripunithura, Kerala
• Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Calicut ,Kerala
• Little Flower Hospital , Angamaly, Kerala
• MAGJ Hospital, Mookannur, Kerala
• Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital, Ernakulam, Kerala

New Trends In Clinical Research

 Trends In Clinical Research

• India has become a signatory to TRIPS.
• Commencing 2005, there have been drastic changes in patent laws and its applications within India.
• To introduce new drugs in India, clinical trials are mandatory.
• Clinical trials are required to be conducted as per ICH-GCP norms.
• There is a huge demand for qualified and trained Clinical Research Professionals (See chart below).
  
  

Resources	2002 (Center Watch)	2010 (Center Watch)	2010 (Mckinsey)
CR Market	US $ 30 - 35 Million	US $ 250 - 300 Million	US $ 1.5 Billion
GCP Studies	40 - 50 Million	250-300 Million	1,500-2,000 Million
GCP Trained Investigators	200 - 250	2500 - 3000	10,000 - 15,000 Investigators
Subjects Required	4,000-5,000	50,000 - 60,000	2,00,000 - 3,00,000
CR Professionals	120 - 150	1,500 - 1,800	6,000-9,000

Internationally, the demand for clinical research specialists is even stronger than in India. The shortage globally traverses all continents including most notably North America, Europe, as well as Asia. While most EU, Canadian, and US employers are outsourcing the majority of the clinical research work to India, there are jobs available to Mir-IFCR grads in the US and EU and Mir-IFCR graduates meet US and Canadian immigration requirements.

These same employers from the US, EU and Canada, though, have thousands of jobs available across India, which has become one of the world's leading centers for clinical research.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Program Entry Qualifications

• All Graduates and Post Graduates
• M.Sc / M.Sc Nursing
• MBBS / MD
• BAMS / MD Ayurveda
• BHMS
• B.Pharm / M.Pharm
• BDS / MDS
• BPT / MPT
• BVMS
• BCA / MCA
• BE (All Fields)
• B.Pharm / M.Pharm
• M.Sc (Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics & all life sciences)
• Ph.D in Basic Health Science

Selection Procedure

• Final selection of scholars will be made based on overall evaluation of academic credentials, Research Aptitude Test, personal interview with the Interview Board, work experience and submission of application document. All short listed candidates will be duly informed of the result within one week of the interview.Decisions made by the Academic Board of Mir-IFCR on selection of the candidates will be final. Further re-consideration of application will not be entertained once admission decisions are made.

Our Campus

Mir-IFCR functioning, in the heart of the city of Cochin, at the Little Flower Campus located on S A Road, Kadavanthara, where clinical sessions are being held. The registered office is at 1st Floor, MM Building, Kalabhavan Road, Cochin - 682018 , Kerala, India and the Galilee Campus, 28/1019, K. P. Vallon Road, Kadavanthra, Cochin. The Galilee Campus is the main campus and accommodates the Administrative Block, the Academic Block and the Scholars Wing, where academic sessions are being held. 

'Sanctum Sanctorium'

The Mir-IFCR India Management considers both its Campuses, 'Sanctum Sanctorium', Sacred Places of Higher Learning. The Faculty, Scholars and Staff are advised to conduct themselves in truth and sincerity, honesty and integrity in this temple of higher learning, where wisdom and enlightenment must reign, leading to great ideas, discoveries and inventions. Silence, Study and Service be our Golden Rule! 

Beliefs

Mir-IFCR India believes that on enrollment, all its scholars are committed to quality and hence are stars; Stars born to illumine an otherwise dark world. Belief in Oneself, Commitment to Quality and Dedication to Research are the three cornerstones of an Mir-IFCR Scholar Star. 

Interdisciplinary Oneness

Scholars of Mir-IFCR India come from different states of the country, from various disciplinary backgrounds but with the same basic orientation to life science. To foster universal brotherhood, oneness, and a common vision among the scholars, Mir-IFCR India motivates its scholars to think basic to human life with 'health of the individual' as its foundation for service. The WHO, the authority of health defines 'health' as "a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing of an individual and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" -which is indoctrinated into every enrolled research scholar of Mir-IFCR India. Each Mir-IFCR India scholar will help and bless mankind with the process of Healing the sick, which is the ultimate aim of drug therapy and treatment, with the tools of Drug and Research, which God has placed into his/her hands. 

Discipline

Scholars are expected to maintain the highest standards of discipline, behavior and lifestyle, befitting a thoroughbred professional while on campus and reflect the standard of the program even when out of the campus. 

Attire

Scholars are duty bound to be in professional attire for ceremonies and in uniform while on campus. The professional dress code/uniform is grey full pants and white shirt with neck tie, black shoes and ID cards for men and steel grey trousers, white jacket with steel grey overcoat, black shoes and ID cards for ladies on all working days except Saturdays and Sundays. Scholars are expected to wear blazers during official and ceremonial occasions. 

Study Hours

The routine training timing for academics is from 8am to 1pm, five days a week, and 11am to 7pm for the E-library. Depending on the convenience and the availability of the visiting faculty, training may be scheduled anytime either on Saturdays or on Sundays on short notice. Attendance for these training will be mandatory.

Attendance/ Prayer

Scholars are reminded that attendance has to be recorded before the commencement of classes every morning, and prayer to be read by the batch representatives. Meditation and relaxation sessions by the CDC will follow, prior to the academic training every morning. 

Library/ E-Library

Library facility is provided at the Galilee campus under the supervision of the Registrar / Administrative Officer. The timing shall be from 11am to 5pm on weekdays except Sundays. The lab-in-charge will hold additional charge of the library after 5pm upto 7pm. The E-library shall function from 11am to 7pm on all working days and from 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays. All scholars shall register with the lab-in-charge before entering and leaving the E-library after 5pm. The usage fee for E-library shall be Rs.200/- per month. Misuse of library/ e-library will result in the scholar being fined for doing so.

Hostel facility/ Local Guardianship

Scholars are requested to provide the names of their local guardian and of their next of kin (nok) to the Administrative Officer to ensure effective communication of important information.

Mir Inter - Ed Faculty of Clinical Research

The multi-faceted business house - Mir Group - and the leading clinical research training institute - Mir-IFCR – has joined hands to offer a new career opportunity in clinical research to students and medical professionals across India, thereby meeting the ever-growing demands of the research industry all over the globe. As a centre of academic excellence and a temple of higher learning, Mir-IFCR trains graduates in medicine, science and other allied sciences to become competent researchers, well-equipped to challenge the global standards of an ever-growing industry. Within a short span of 5 years, Mir-IFCR has trained 19 batches of students and professionals and offered all its scholars excellent placement even before the actual completion of the course.
Mir-IFCR India motivates its research scholars to think basic to life with 'health of the individual' as its foundation for service. Backed by highly competent faculty – many of whom have worked in the US or the EU in clinical research and/or related fields and who are accomplished industry experts, scholars of Mir-IFCR-India have a very unique and value-added exposure to the field of clinical research.
Mir-IFCR-India enrolls and prepares graduates in the fields of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, as well as Master Degree holders in life sciences such as Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biostatistics, Genetics, Biochemistry etc... for a US PG program in Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs in India.