Biostatistics

A two-part qualifying examination for all DrPH candidates in Biostatistics must be completed prior to dissertation research and the Oral Comprehensive Examination.

Part I: Basic Inference

The first part comprises a basic familiarity with statistical inference as presented in the course P8109 Statistical Inference. Students who have taken this course and received a grade of B+ or above automatically satisfy the Part I requirement. Those students who do not receive this grade will be required to take a written examination testing their knowledge of the material in this course.

Part II: Applications

A written examination covers the practical analysis of data. The examination focuses on applied problems requiring statistical inference based on data analysis. The essential skills for this examination are generally developed in the courses required for the degree. The Department will furnish students with four data sets and written questions to guide the analysis in two parts. Students complete the first two questions on day one, and the second two on day two, submitting their answers in report format such as would be presented to a multidisciplinary research team by a consulting biostatistician.