Statistical Genetics

This is a very exciting time to be involved with statistical genetics as recent, and certainly future, discoveries will clearly continue to have a profound effect in public health and medicine.

 Prakash Gorroochurn, PhD, Associate Professor of Clinical Biostatistics

Competencies

The MS in Biostatistics Statistical Genetics Track is intended to provide students with the skills to design and analyze research using genetic data from human studies. Competencies of the Statistical Genetics Track are achieved through a curriculum of  at least 36 credit hours of course work and the capstone experience.

In addition to achieving the MS in Biostatistics core competencies, students in the Statistical Genetics Track gain the following specific competencies in the areas of data analysis and computing, public health and collaborative research, teaching statistical genetics, and statistical genetics research.

Upon satisfactory completion of the MS in Biostatistics Statistical Genetics Track, graduates will be able to:

Data Analysis and Computing

• Use genetic analysis programs and interpret the results

Public Health and Collaborative Research

• Formulate testable hypotheses in human genetics and design studies to test those hypotheses
• Understand and explain the factors that go into selecting appropriate samples
• Understand and explain the critical importance of phenotype definition

Teaching Statistical Genetics

• Explain the mathematical underpinnings of genetic analysis, including familial aggregation studies, twin studies, and segregation, linkage, and association analysis
• Explain the biological underpinnings of genetic influences on disease risk

Statistical Genetics Research

• Test and evaluate new methods of genetic analysis as they become available
• Demonstrate familiarity with the role of laboratory techniques such as genotyping and sequencing, extracting DNA from blood, PCR; and
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role of microarray technology and other current molecular-biological techniques.

Course Requirements

The MS in Statistical Genetics curriculum is designed to achieve the program’s competencies through courses totaling 36 credit hours and the capstone experience. The curriculum includes 30 credits of required course work and 6 credits of electives.

The required courses will enable degree candidates to gain proficiency in genetic study design and analysis. In rare circumstances, one or two required courses may be waived for students with demonstrated expertise in that field of study; however, students must still complete a minimum of 30 credits in order to be awarded the MS/SG degree. If a student places out of one or more required courses, s/he may instead opt to take a more advanced course in the same area or another elective course in Biostatistics or other discipline with the approval of the student’s faculty advisor.

Students wishing to waive one or more courses must request approval in writing from their advisors and the Director of Academic Programs.

Required Courses

The required courses enable degree candidates to gain proficiency in genetic study design and analysis.

Electives

Students also select 2+ courses from the list below. Other advanced courses from the Department of Biostatistics, other Departments in the Mailman School of Public Health, or elsewhere at Columbia may be substituted with approval of the student's academic advisor.

Sample Timeline

Below is a sample timeline for MS/SG candidates. Note that course schedules change from year to year, so that class days/times in future years will differ from the sample schedule below; you must check the current course schedule for each year on the course directory page.

Practicum Requirement

One term of practical experience is required of all students, providing educational opportunities that are different from and supplementary to the more academic aspects of the program. The practicum may be fulfilled during the school year or over the summer. Arrangements are made on an individual basis in consultation with faculty advisors who must approve both the proposed practicum project prior to its initiation, and the report submitted at the conclusion of the practicum experience. Students will be required to make a poster presentation at the department’s Annual Practicum Poster Symposium which is held in early May.

Capstone Experience

P8185: Capstone Consulting Seminar

A formal, culminating experience for the MS degree 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.

As part of the seminar, students are required to attend several sessions of the Biostatistics Consulting Service (BCS). 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.