Track Leader: Thomas Love, PhD
Biostatistics is a vital part of clinical research, which includes both observational studies and randomized clinical trials. Modern clinical, or patient, research applies innovative methodologies for the design and analysis of such studies to increase the likelihood of success and minimize patient burden and the use of scarce resources.
Clinical research biostatisticians work as part of multi-disciplinary teams with clinical and statistical investigators to develop and execute study designs and analyze plans with scientific rigor. They also support teams in meeting regulatory requirements by sanctioning bodies and funding agencies. Principal roles include the design, analysis, coordination and reporting of observational and trial-based clinical research studies.
Most of a health care analysts’ or clinical research biostatisticians’ work is dedicated to evaluating, executing and reporting on well-designed studies so as to help investigators meet their scientific objectives. Training through this track prepares graduates for roles as biostatistician; lead, senior or principal biostatistician; consulting statistician; statistical researcher; statistical programmer; clinical informatics strategist; data scientist; and clinical research manager. Such positions require strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team with subject matter experts on protocol development and statistical reporting.
Biostatisticians completing the Health Care Analytics track will be well-positioned to apply for positions in industry, academia (including teaching hospitals) and government. Recent graduates of similar programs have found excellent positions with pharmaceutical companies, university and health system-based research groups, and within various health industries.
Track-Required Courses:
- Survival Analysis (PQHS 435)
- Large Health Care Databases and Electronic Health Records (PQHS 515)
- Two of the following courses:
- Longitudinal Data Analysis (PQHS 459)
- Observational Studies (PQHS 500)
- Clinical Trials (PQHS 450)
- Machine Learning and Data Mining (PQHS 471)