School of Public Health Departments/Programs: Department of Behavioral Sciences and Community Health   Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion   General Public Health   International Health   Maternal and Child Health Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology   Biostatistics   Epidemiology (M.P.H.)   Epidemiology (Dr.P.H.) Department of Disability and Human Development Department of Environmental Health Science Department of Health Policy and Management Department of Physical Therapy Department of Speech-Language Pathology

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Paul Visintainer, Ph.D.,
Department Chair

Qiuhu Shi, Ph.D.
Program Director, Biostatistics

• M.P.H Program Curriculum
• M.S. Curriculum
• Program Course Descriptions

The Program in Biostatistics provides either a 45-credit MPH degree or 36-credit MS degree, which educate and train individuals to design, analyze, and interpret clinical research in public health and biomedical sciences area.

The MPH program prepares students to be a biostatistician with strong quantitative methods for public health. The MPH program is designed for students who are interesting to apply statistical methods in a variety of public health and clinical research areas, university research centers, government and health care agencies, and private research foundations. Students in biostatistics with plans to pursue a doctorate in public health (DrPH) should consider the MPH initially.

The MS degree in biostatistics focuses students more on statistical methods in the biomedical sciences area. The MS program is designed for those students who are interested in working in biomedical research institutions or the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Students who plan to pursue advance degree in statistics or biostatistics (PhD) should consider the MS degree initially. Students considering the MS degree should have a strong background in mathematics.

Applicants to either degree program should have at least one year of calculus (through bivariate calculus) and some linear algebra prior to enrollment. Students pursuing the MPH degree will be required to complete a 1-credit practicum working with a community-based agency or faculty member addressing a public health issue.

M.P.H. Curriculum - 46 credits

1. Required courses: 22 credits
   
   Health Care in the United States
   Health Economics
   Behavioral and Social Factors in Public Health
   Environmental Influences on Human Health
   Introduction to Biostatistics
   Introduction to Epidemiology
   Thesis
   Practicum (1 credit)
2. Required program courses: 18 credits
   
   Statistical Computing
   Mathematical Statistics I
   Mathematical Statistics II
   Intermediate Biostatistics I
   Intermediate Biostatistics II
   Directed Research in Biostatistics

3. For Practicum and electives: 6 credits
   See academic advisor

M.S. Curriculum - 36 credits

1. Required courses: 15 credits
   
   Health Care in the United States
   Introduction to Biostatistics
   Introduction to Epidemiology
   Thesis
   
   Plus one of the following:
   Environmental Influences on Human Health
   Health Economics
   Behavioral and Social Factors in Public Health
2. Required program courses: 18 credits
   
   Mathematical Statistics I
   Mathematical Statistics II
   Intermediate Biostatistics I
   Intermediate Biostatistics II
   Statistical Computing
   Directed Research in Biostatistics
3. Electives: 3 credits
   See academic advisor

Health Care in the United States

This course provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare programs and policies in the United States. Lectures enable students to understand the major constituencies involved in healthcare and introduce them to current public health issues, healthcare delivery systems, and factors that determine health policy

Health Economics

This course explores the concepts of scarcity, social choice, rationing, resource allocation, efficiency, investment, and market forces and their relationship to health services delivery, and health policy. A variety of analytical principles and methods are examined and applied to issues including, healthcare financing, cost containment, regulation, access, insurance, productivity and program evaluation.

Behavioral and Social Factors in Public Health

This course is an overview and introduction to the way in which behavioral and social factors contribute to health. It covers a wide range of topics: theories of behavioral science which have been applied to health behaviors; socio-cultural factors in disease etiology and the role of social conditions and social policy in addressing critical public health problems; individual, group, community, and technology-based strategies for health behavior change; and current issues in behavioral science for health promotion, including its application to achieving the Healthy People 2010 goals.

Environmental Influences on Human Health

This survey of the major environmental determinants of human health covers physical, chemical, and biological sources of exposure; routes of exposure in humans; etiology of environmental disease and mortality; and the complexities of environmental public policy. Topics include airborne pollution, contaminated water and food, solid and hazardous waste, and risk assessment as a tool for regulation. Students have the opportunity to tour a local public works facility.

Computers in Health Sciences

This course provides and introduction to computers, computer languages, and applications of computers in the health sciences. Offered in a self-study format, with optional weekly tutorials. (Lab fee required)

Introduction to Biostatistics formerly Health Quantitative Sciences I

This course is an introductory graduate course that presents the fundamental statistical approaches employed in clinical research. Lectures cover basic probability, common distributions, samples and populations, interval estimation, and inferential statistical approaches. By reading medical literature, students learn how statistical techniques are applied to clinical data, and practice summarizing and interpreting analytic results.

Basis of Biostatistics

This course explores the mathematical basis for intermediate and advanced study in biostatistics. Probability theory, random variables, statistical distributions such as binomial, poisson, normal, chi-square, t, F, principles of estimation and hypotheses testing, and Bayesian statistics are studied. Prerequisites: Mathematical Statistics I & II

Multivariate Analysis

This course examines multivariate normal distribution, generalized T-squared statistics, generalized variance, component analysis, canonical correlation, multivariate analysis of variance, factor analysis and multidimensional scaling.

Statistical Computing

This course provides an in-depth study of some of the most frequently used statistical packages in the health sciences, such as SAS Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director. Note: Lab fee required.

Intermediate Biostatistics I

Biostatistics I and II compose a two-semester sequence required of all Biostatistics and Epidemiology majors. The course covers multiple regression analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, contingency table analysis, and methods frequently used in epidemiological studies and clinical trials, including life table analysis, logistic analysis, and relative risk assessment with and without covariables. The SAS statistical package is used. Prerequisites: Health Quantitative Sciences I and II or Mathematical Statistics I & II

Intermediate Biostatistics II

A continuation Biostatistics I. Prerequisite: Intermediate Biostatistics I

Matrices and Linear Statistical Models

Elements of matrix algebra required for advanced study in biostatistics are examined. Instruction in basic operations, determinants, inverses, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and an introduction to linear statistical models are provided in this course.

Introduction to Experimental Design

Introduction to experimental design, factorial experiments, Latin squares, complete and incomplete block designs, split plot designs, and repeated measures are covered in this course. Prerequisite: Intermediate Biostatistics I

Survival Analysis

This course examines statistical methods appropriate to the analysis of biomedical data with censored observations. Specific applications include nonparametric and parametric estimation of survival functions, including curve fitting and comparison; identification of prognostic factors related to survival time and applications to clinical trials; hazard analysis including Cox proportional model; log-linear and multi/way-contingency analysis of discrete data; and logistic regression.

Artificial Intelligence

The field of artificial intelligence focuses on designing computer programs that imitate the ways that human beings solve problems. In this course, techniques for complex problem-solving and knowledge base representation are discussed. Topics to be covered include predicate calculus, state space representation, search strategies, automated reasoning, expert systems, knowledge representation, and object-oriented modeling. The computer languages CLIPS and/or PROLOG are used. Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director

Mathematical Statistics I

This course provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamental concepts of probability theory and statistical inference. Covered topics related to probability, random variables, distribution, probability and density functions, mathematical expectation, functions of random-variables, and sampling distributions.

Mathematical Statistics II

This course focuses on topics related to statistical inference and applications. These include point estimation, hypothesis testing, non-parametric statistics, linear models, and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: Mathematical Statistics I

Seminar in Biostatistics

This seminar focuses on topics not examined in other elective courses. Topics may change each term. Consult program director for subject matter to be covered.

Field Experience in Biostatistics

This course enables students to apply theory by working in an approved public health organization or equivalent. Fieldwork is supervised by a faculty member who serves as liaison to the organization.

Directed Research in Biostatistics

Advanced study and research in an area chosen by the student in consultation with the professor are required. Opportunities for work on special problems are afforded.

Tutorial in Biostatistics

This course includes a comprehensive individual study of a specific topic, guided by the professor.

Survey Sampling and Data Analysis

This course examines the methods employed in designing and analyzing complex surveys. The course will explore the major sampling designs and estimation procedures, such as simple and stratified random sampling, one-stage and two-stage cluster sampling, and variance estimation in complex sample surveys. Students will use existing datasets and statistical packages to acquire hands-on experience in analyzing data from complex surveys.

Thesis

It is expected that the thesis will be an original scholarly work involving an analysis of new or existing data on a subject relevant to the field of public health. It should be noted that theses may require review and approval by the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to initiation of any thesis work. Students should work through their program director to determine whether their thesis topic requires IRB review. Further, students must maintain regular contact with their program director during their thesis work to insure that their activities continue to meet the standards and regulations governing health care research.

Practicum

Students must complete a practicum. This is to assure that students have practical experience to support academic skills and information acquired within the broad filed of public health before they enter the world of public health practice. To fulfill this requirement, students will generally register for a one-credit pass/fail course in excess of the 45 credits required for the degree. Students who can demonstrate appropriate practice experience prior to beginning their M.P.H. studies may apply for a waiver.

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Informatics

The 18-credit certificate program is designed to educate individuals in the core concepts of computer-based public health and biomedical information management and analysis. This focused learning experience will enhance the credentials of those currently practicing in quantitative fields in public health and biomedicine (e.g. epidemiology and biostatistics). The certificate program comprises the following components:

• Overview of public health and biomedical informatics
• Principles of data management and analysis in public health and biomedicine.
• Structure and management of public health and biomedical information systems.
• Advanced study in areas related to public health and biomedical data management and analysis. (information networks, data centers, databases, data warehousing and data mining, geographic information systems, biostatistics, epidemiology)

Required course credits: 18 credits

The following core courses (15 credits):

Introduction to Informatics in the Health Sciences
Database Management System
Intermediate Biostatistics I
Intermediate Biostatistics II
Statistical Computing

One approved advanced courses (3 credits) in Biostatistics, Informatics, or Epidemiology

Computers in Health Sciences

This course provides and introduction to computers, computer languages, and applications of computers in the health sciences. Offered in a self-study format, with optional weekly tutorials. (Lab fee required)

Introduction to  Informatics in the Health Sciences (prerequisite: permission of instructor)

An in-depth study of the use of computers and Informatics in biomedical applications. Hardware, software, and applications programming. Data collection, analysis, and presentation studied within application areas such as patient monitoring, medical records, computer-aided diagnoses, computer-aided instruction, M.D.-assistance programs, laboratory processing, wave form analysis, hospital information systems, and medical information systems.

Management Of Health Information Systems

The goal of this course is to provide the student with a clear understanding of the various management, organizational, and ethical issues involved in the information systems function in the heath sciences environment. Also addresses some of the possible approaches available for effective management of IS resources. (Prerequisites: Health Care in the United States, and Introduction to Informatics in the Health Sciences)

Systems Analysis And Design

This course is designed to give students the skill to develop information systems using the Information Engineering methodology. Covers IS planning activities and stresses modeling, healthcare business area analysis, and Health Sciences system design techniques. An ongoing project, coupled with the sustained use of integrated Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools forms a central theme of the course. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Informatics in the Health Sciences)

Database Management Systems

This course is designed to familiarize the students with data base management systems. Database concepts, data modeling and database implementation are discussed.. Emphasis is on the data-oriented system design methodology. Issues related to planning, design, organization, and administration of clinical databases will be discussed. Students perform logical and physical design of the database for a health sciences case study problem using a CASE tool in groupware environment. Implementation in a PC environment, like Access or SQL-Server, and the use of tools like Visual Basic, C++Builder, Delphi, PowerBase and Crystal Reports is required. (Prerequisites: Introduction to Informatics in the Health Sciences and Information Systems Concepts and Languages)

Distributed Information Systems And Networks

Designed to give students an understanding of distributed computing, its underlying technologies, and the concepts needed to design communication architectures to meet distributed systems requirements of a health sciences environment. Also addresses management of these systems, and the role of open standards for distributed systems. Technologies covered include local area networks, wide-area networks (including the Internet and World Wide Web), client/server systems and distributed databases. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Informatics in the Health Sciences and Information Systems Concepts and Languages)