Biostatistics

A formal, culminating experience for these degrees is required for graduation. The capstone consulting seminar is designed to enable students to demonstrate their ability to integrate their academic studies with the role of biostatistical consultant/collaborator, which will comprise the major portion of their future professional practice.

After completing at least 15 credits of their required course work, students register for P8185, a one-semester, one-credit seminar course. As part of the seminar, students are required to attend several sessions of the Biostatistics Consulting Service (BCS).

Established by the Department of Biostatistics in Fall of 2001 to field requests for statistical advice, the BCS is a free service to public health and other health sciences faculty researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center campus. The BCS operates five days a week, and conducts hundreds of consultations each year.

The Consultation Service offers advice on data analysis and appropriate methods of data presentation for publications, and provides design recommendations for public health and clinical research, including preparation of grant proposals. Biostatistics faculty and research staff members conduct all consultation sessions with students observing, modeling, and participating in the consultations.

In the capstone seminar, students present their experience and the statistical issues that emerged in their consultations, developing statistical report writing and presentation skills essential to their professional practice in biomedical and public health research projects.

Participation in the Biostatistics Consultation Service meets the MPH, MS/TM, and the MS/APT capstone requirement while providing students with an opportunity to gain invaluable experience working with a diverse clientele on a variety of statistical problems.