Life science, while including the in-depth study of living things, is not limited to biology. At its core, life science is interdisciplinary and integrative — drawing upon disciplines such as biotechnology, chemical processes, environmental components, public health, and critically, different types of research.
Discover the careers available to you with a graduate Applied Life Sciences degree.
Translational and clinical research skills are paramount to any future leader in the field of applied life sciences, but what are the differences between these two types of research? Let’s explore these critically important approaches to research and how obtaining a graduate degree in applied life sciences will pave the way for a meaningful career in diverse professional spheres.
From the Bench to the Bedside: What is Translational Research?
There is a critical need for experts who can identify, develop, and distribute groundbreaking scientific and technological methods that will improve human health. The solution? Experts working in translational research.
A relatively young science, translational research (also sometimes called translational science) is the process of applying knowledge from biology and other applied life sciences to cutting-edge techniques and methodologies that address clinical medical needs, improve patient care, and positively impact society as a whole.
“Translation: the multi-step process of turning observations in the lab, clinic, and community into interventions that improve people’s lives in the form of diagnostics, therapeutics, medical procedures, devices, and behavior changes.” — National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Often categorized as “bench to bedside” research, translational research is designed to “accelerate the flow of insights from clinicians that are shaped into questions answered at the bench and within the clinical research environment.” With the help of diverse professional teams (biologists, engineers, computer scientists, chemists, public health experts), translational research seeks to dismantle “scientific, operational, or administrative” barriers and produce meaningful results — while translating (or moving) — cutting-edge discoveries efficiently and successfully into clinical practice.
*Research of the translational science variety has resulted in the development of:
- New medical devices
- Cutting-edge gene therapies
- Advanced biomedical data sharing
- Novel data-mining resources
- Revamped existing medicines
- More effective drug-developing processes
*Source: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
What is the Difference Between Clinical and Translational Research?
Clinical research refers to the study of human subjects through hands-on initiatives, such as clinical trials, surveys, diagnostic tests, or observational studies. It is a research method used to determine the effectiveness and safety of a particular medical procedure, drug, or device used in patient care settings, such as clinics or hospitals.
Transactional research, on the other hand, draws upon different research areas with the goal of connecting discoveries through collaboration and efficiently translating those discoveries into practice. It requires a collaborative, human-centered, and patient-focused approach to research that prioritizes the patient experience with the goal of identifying, treating, preventing, and curing diseases.
Translational Research vs. Clinical Research
What does all of this mean for you? In order to secure a career in the translational research/science realm, it is imperative that you develop the sought-after skills needed to conduct data-backed research, bridge the gap between researchers and practitioners across the translational spectrum, gain a keen understanding of administrative and managerial obstacles, and advocate for rapid, effective translation of research discoveries into practice and products.
The answer? A graduate degree in applied life sciences.
Top Careers With a Graduate Applied Life Sciences Degree
Equipped with a respected graduate degree that is focused on the applied life sciences, you will experience myriad professional opportunities that make way for you to secure a career in the industry you are most passionate about.
Here are the top occupations and employment areas for graduates of a Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences:
- Professional schools (MD, DO, dentistry, etc.)
- Research and development
- Medical and health services
- Natural sciences managers
- Clinical research coordinators
- Technical writers
- Clinical manager
- Clinical trial manager
- Medical writer
- Medical science liaison
- Clinical operations manager
Master the Art of Clinical and Translational Research at the Keck Graduate Institute
The Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California offers a two-year, in-person Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences that is specifically designed to teach individuals to translate scientific research into medical products that are critically useful to the healthcare field and impactful for the world at large.
Armed with a Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences, you will bridge the gap between research professionals and managerial teams.
This nationally-respected MS degree program emphasizes specific training in translational and clinical research skills and a deep understanding of the context within which medical science is translated for societal benefit, including management skills. In other words, the MS in Applied Life Sciences prepares future changemakers in the healthcare field to impact tangible, systemic change in professional spheres related to medicine, technology, and research.
Graduates of the MS in Applied Life Sciences are uniquely positioned to excel in a variety of careers addressing the critical and managerial needs in research and development of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as clinical and academic laboratories. The program combines rigorous graduate-level courses with a yearlong biomedical or clinical research project; as such, it can also be a stepping stone to doctoral degrees.
Concentrations for Applied Life Sciences Degree Students
Within the MS in Applied Life Sciences, students are given the valuable opportunity to choose from a variety of concentration options. These concentrations include:
- Translational Research — designed to give students a panoramic perspective of translating a basic research idea into a pragmatic or advantageous product for the biopharmaceutical industry, academia, or healthcare fields.
- Clinical Research — designed to give students the ability to identify and problem-solve healthcare-related issues, which in turn allows them to provide solutions in increasing healthcare access, improving patient outcomes, and other quality improvement needs.
- Public Health Research — prepares students to examine public health issues through a science lens, blending lab work with global and community health issues.
- Infectious Diseases Research — provides graduate-level training in the fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology and immunology, as well as basic, translational, and clinical aspects of infectious diseases caused by important pathogens.
- Team Master’s Project — prepares students to work in cross-functional teams working with sponsoring companies to solve real-life problems, including both business and technical aspects.
Discover options for choosing a concentration within the MS in Applied Life Sciences.
Impact Your Future With a Career in Research or Healthcare and Life Sciences — Connect With Us Today
The Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences is flexible — whether your interests lie in healthcare, research, or industry, you have an option within this MS program. A wide range of professional development opportunities exist for students, including industry speakers, thesis-writing workshops, mentorship, and shadowing.
The curriculum is largely centered on core tenets for healthcare and the applied life sciences — making it a perfect option for jumpstarting a lifelong career in science-based industry spheres.
To learn more about the Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences, you may request more information. Or, you can take this opportunity to reach out to our admissions team to learn more about joining the community of transactional and clinical researchers at the Keck Graduate Institute.
You may also explore our cost and aid resources or start your application today.
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