Human Subjects Research Brochures


The USC Human Subjects Protection Program has developed and printed a wealth of human subjects brochures available to users online or in hard copy by request. To request a brochure, contact the IRB Office or the OPRS. Below are brief descriptions and links to each brochure.

Holders of IND/IDE ARE YOU THE HOLDER OF AN IND OR IDE?
This booklet was written to familiarize researchers with the responsibilities of IND/IDE holders. The booklet is also intended as a useful reference for investigators holding an IND or IDE and/or IRB staff who will be reviewing IND/IDE studies.

RCR SeriesResponsible Conduct of Research Booklet Series
This series contains nine booklets each addressing a different theme in the responsible conduct of research: Use of Animal Subjects, Collaborative Research, Conflicts of Interest and Commitment, Data Management and Acquisition, Human Subjects Research, Mentoring, Peer Review, and Research/Scientific Misconduct. These materials will prepare the reader to complete the CITI online RCR course.

Med Student BookletGuide to Human Subjects Research For USC Medical Students (2011)
This booklet provides guidance for medical students who conduct biomedical, social and behavioral research or otherwise participate in research activities while at the Keck School of Medicine (KSOM).

Student Guide Making Sense of Human Subjects Research: A Student Guide
This comprehensive manual aids student with the IRB process. It provides information needed to understand the intricacies of human subjects research, a question-by-question explanation of the IRB application, and examples of exempt and expedited applications.

Informed Consent BookletInformed Consent in Human Subjects Research
This booklet provides an overview of informed consent: its importance, required elements of consent, the consenting process, and documenting consent. USC resources for informed consent information are included at the end of this booklet for reference.

Mentoring BookletMentoring USC Student Researchers
Mentoring is the social foundation of research. It is the mentor who has the potential to draw the best from the student by acting as an adviser, teacher, role model, motivational friend and supportive advocate. This booklet serves as a guide and overview of that process.

Community Member BookYou Want to be an IRB Community Member...Now What?
This booklet guides IRB community members through the human subjects research process and helps them transition into a valuable members of the IRB committee. It can also serve as a great introduction for anybody new to human subjects research and the IRB.

Should I Participate in Research?Should I Participate in Research?
This brochure is aimed at potential research participants to assist them in their decision to participate in research.
It is also available en Español: ¿Debería participar en una investigación?

Guide for PIsAre You Conducting Research Using Human Subjects? A Guide for Investigators
This brochure is designed to guide Principal Investigators through the IRB process. It includes information on defining human subjects, the levels of IRB review, and informed consent requirements.

Is Your Project HSR Is Your Project Human Subjects Research? A Guide for Investigators
This brochure is a guide for investigators to help them determine if their project is human subjects research. It offers not only definitions of human subjects research, but examples as well.

Faculty Advisor GuideAre You a Faculty Advisor? The ABCs of Human Subjects Responsibilities
This brochure is for Faculty Advisors (FA) serving on student IRB projects. It provides a brief overview of the FA role and also includes tips for navigating the IRB process from the FA perspective.