Biostatistics involves the development and application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine, epidemiology, and public health. Students in the PhD program receive state-of-the-art training in the latest statistical methodology in order to tackle the challenges associated with the study design and data analysis of modern research conducted in the health sciences. The PhD program provides advanced training in biostatistical theory and methods, with the goal of enabling the student to carry out original research. In addition, students may elect to train with an emphasis in bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics requires the development and application of statistical methods for many of the areas covered by the field, including genomics, proteomics, statistical genetics, and metabolomics. Current biomedical research technologies generate high volumes of data that require extension of existing statistical methodologies and development of new methodologies in order to extract important information regarding biological processes. The emphasis on bioinformatics is designed to fulfill the expanding need for biostatisticians with advanced training in this area. Students in the bioinformatics emphasis gain a basic understanding of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics and an in-depth knowledge of statistical theory and methods. Graduates are able to carry out original statistical research in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and evolving areas of systems biology.
Students who complete the MS program in biostatistics with the Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics or who already possess the equivalent of an MS in statistics, biostatistics, or a related discipline may apply for admission to the PhD program.