Medical Affairs: Scientific and Technical Knowledge

Build foundational scientific and technical knowledge for Medical Affairs, including disease understanding, product data interpretation, and lifecycle insights to support confident scientific engagement.

Build scientific confidence for Medical Affairs success.

Scientific credibility is the foundation of effective Medical Affairs practice. This course introduces the essential scientific and technical knowledge required to work confidently in Medical Affairs roles.    

Why enrol? 

Professionals entering Medical Affairs often come from diverse backgrounds and may lack consistent exposure to therapeutic science, product data, and lifecycle dynamics. This course provides a structured foundation to fast-track your knowledge and confidence. 

What will you learn?

You will develop a practical understanding of:

  • Disease states, patient journeys, and treatment pathways
  • Pharmaceutical product and medical device fundamentals including mechanism of action, indications, and adverse events
  • Clinical evidence and how to interpret your key data
  • The therapeutic product lifestyle and key stakeholders
  • Reliable sources of scientific and product information

Through guided learning and applied activities, you will build capability in interpreting and communicating scientific information appropriately.

Course Highlights

  • Designed specifically for Medical Affairs professionals
  • Industry-aligned and practical learning approach
  • Self-paced online delivery with flexible access
  • Focus on real-world scientific engagement skills
  • Builds a solid foundation for career progression

 
Who Should Attend

  • Early-career Medical Affairs professionals
  • Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)
  • Medical Advisors and Medical Managers
  • Professionals transitioning into Medical Affairs roles
  • Healthcare or industry professionals seeking foundational knowledge

Develop the scientific literacy required to engage confidently with stakeholders and build your Medical Affairs career. Enrol now to strengthen your foundational ability.

  

Topics

  • Therapeutic area fundamentals
  • Disease pathophysiology and patient journey
  • Standard-of-care treatments
  • Product characteristics and mechanism of action
  • Clinical data and evidence interpretation
  • Adverse events and safety considerations
  • Therapeutic product lifestyle
  • Stakeholder landscape in Medical Affairs
  • Scientific information sourcing and communication  

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:
Describe key features of a therapeutic area including disease and treatment
Summarise core scientific attributes of pharmaceutical products and technical specifications
of medical devices

Identify stages of the product lifecycle and key stakeholders
Locate and interpret trusted scientific and product information
 

 

Course delivery method

Fully online, self-paced (asynchronous) on-demand learning. Participants may start at any time and complete the course at their own pace, within the specified course availability period. Pre-recorded lectures, interactive learning activities. 

 

Course pre-requisites

N/A

Additional course information

 

Aligned to MAPA Competency Framework.

Participants must successfully complete at least 80% of the program to be eligible for completion recognition. Progression through the content will be tracked, and participants will be required to submit a self-declaration at the conclusion of the program confirming that this completion threshold has been met. This declaration may be independently verified by the University if required. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be issues with a Certificate of Completion from the University of Sydney.

 
  
Aligned with the MAPA Working Group   - Medical Affairs Competency Framework. 

Domain 1: Scientific and Technical Knowledge 
Domain 2: Evidence Generation 
Domain 3: Compliance and Ethics 
Domain 4: Leadership and Professionalism 
Domain 5: Communication and Collaboration 
Domain 6: Business Knowledge

If you're interested in the other courses, please click here.

For terms and conditions, please view here

 

Course fees
 Standard  $1,700
 Alumni/Staff  $1,530

You cannot proceed until you select 2 electives 

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