The Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, which was founded in 1968, was the first university department to combine these two disciplines into a single administrative unit. Objectives of the Department are (1) to produce professional biostatisticians and epidemiologists and (2) to give each specialist adequate preparation in the other disciplines.
Biostatistics
- applies new or existing statistical techniques to health-related questions
- develops new statistical techniques appropriate for analysis of health-related data
- assists health researchers in:
- making appropriate inferences from their data relative to chance
- making valid estimates of population parameters
- designing studies in a valid and feasible manner to maximize information obtained
Epidemiology
- studies the distribution and dynamics of disease and health in populations
- investigates causative factors and determinants of disease in populations
- advances the body of knowledge that will make it possible to control and/or prevent disease and to optimize health
The Department’s programs are designed to prepare students for careers in health agencies and medical institutions; for consultation, especially in the biomedical fields; for independent biostatistical and epidemiological research; and for academic careers in schools of public health and medicine.