Catalog 2024–2025

Health Science Research Certificate

Coordinator Deborah Taira, ScD, Associate Professor
Email dtjuarez@hawaii.edu

Program Description

This certificate is designed to give the DKICP Doctor of Pharmacy students an introduction to research methods as well as experience completing a research project. Students will develop an understanding of research methodologies, data management, statistical analysis, data visualization, and ethical considerations in Human Subjects Research. This certificate will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in research endeavors. By blending theoretical foundations with practical applications, students will develop a diverse toolkit to engage effectively in research initiatives in the domain of practicing pharmacists. Topics for research projects will vary based on student interest, mentors, and available data.

Program Mission

The goal is to make PharmD students more competitive for post-graduate residency programs, which are increasingly required for jobs in clinical and academic settings. This program benefits the current curriculum by aligning student coursework to support research activities in both academic departments.

Student Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate and understanding of various research methodologies
  2. Apply principles of data management
  3. Utilize spreadsheets and artificial tools for organizing, analyzing, and interpreting research data effectively
  4. Apply statistical analysis to research data, interpret results, and draw conclusions
  5. Create clear and informative data visualizations to represent research findings
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and privacy issues in research
  7. Demonstrate competence in conducting pharmacy-related research, understanding its implications for clinical practice, and integrating research findings into the field
  8. Apply effective techniques for scholarly writing, including proper citation practices, structuring research papers, and community research findings clearly and concisely
  9. Identify the main theoretical and procedural aspects of qualitative research
  10. Conduct qualitative research
  11. Apply research methodologies and skills to complete an independent research project
  12. Communicate research findings effectively through written abstracts and oral presentations
  13. Collaborate effectively with peers and mentors.

Certificate Curriculum (15 Credits)

Students must complete the following courses during the P2-P3 Year:

  • PHPP 530 Basic Research Methods (1)
  • PHPP 531 Survey, Epidem, Qual Methods (1)
  • PHPP 532 Pharmacy Research (1)
  • PHPP 534 Using SS/AI for Data Analy/Vis (1)
  • PHPP 537 Using EHR for Research (1)
  • PHPP 538 Systematic/Scoping Rev of Lit (1)
  • PHPP 539 Effec Technique Scholarly Writ (1)
  • PHAR 570 Certificate Project Pres (1)

Students must complete one (1) elective from the following list during the P2-P3 Year:

  • PHPP 571 Story-telling in Healing (1)
  • PHPP 574 Social Media for Pharmacists (1)

Students must complete one (1) of the following experiential electives during the P4 Year:

  • PHAR 585 Adv Pharm Prac Exp Elec II (6)
  • PHAR 586 Adv Pharm Prac Exp Elec III (6)