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Master of Public Health

E172 General Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 384-5991

 

 

  

Biostatistics Subtrack (44 s.h.)

Objective

The MPH in Biostatistics focuses on educating students in the applications of biostatistical methods to the public health and biomedical sciences and the applications of methodology for the design and analysis of research investigations in the health sciences. Students receive fundamental training in the public health sciences, core biostatistical theory, and core biostatistical methods needed to function as a collaborator in health sciences investigations. Upon completion of the MPH in Biostatistics, the student will be prepared to function as a statistical consultant and data analyst for public health projects. This means that the student will be proficient in statistical theory and application and have a fundamental understanding of public health theory and practice.

Graduates of the MPH in biostatistics will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of statistical techniques used in public health studies and investigations.
  2. Function as a collaborator on public health projects, often taking a leadership role in the design and implementation of projects.
  3. Assume responsibility for the design and implementation of analyses for public health investigations.
  4. Be prepared to manage the data for projects such as large community surveys, laboratory investigations, and multi-center clinical trials.
  5. Serve as an advocate for good statistical design in public health investigations.

Prerequisites

A baccalaureate degree or equivalent in biological, mathematical or physical sciences is required. In addition, the applicant’s training should include basic course work in computer science and mathematics. The level of training required in each of these areas in described below.

Mathematics

The applicant should have training in i) methods and techniques of single-variable and multivariable differential and integral calculus and ii) linear algebra.

Computer Science

The applicant should have the ability to program in at least one computer language.

Persons with deficiencies in any of the above areas may apply for admission and make up these deficiencies during the first year of graduate study. The University of Iowa courses that provide training in prerequisite work at the required level are:

Computer Science

22C:010 Programming with C 3 s.h.

Mathematical Sciences

22M:025 Calculus I (Fall/Spr./Su.) 4 s.h.
22M:026 Calculus II (Fall/Spr./Su.) 4 s.h.
22M:027 Introduction to Linear Algebra (Fall/Spr.) 4 s.h.
22M:028 Calculus III (Fall/Spr.) 4 s.h.

MPH Core Courses (19 s.h.)

The following course work is required for all MPH students. Students must earn ≥ B- (2.67) on each core course and must earn a ≥ B (3.0) cumulative grade point average on all core courses. When necessary, a student may repeat courses to achieve this standard.

170:101 Introduction to Public Health Practice [Fall/Su.] 3 s.h.
171:201 Biostatistical Methods I [Fall] 4 s.h.
172:101 Intro to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention [Fall/Spr.] 3 s.h.
173:140 Epidemiology I: Principles [Fall/Spr./Su.] 3 s.h.
174:102

Introduction to the US Healthcare System [Su.]

or

 3 s.h.
174:200 Introduction to Health Care Organization and Policy [Fall] 3 s.h.
175:197 Environmental Health [Fall/Spr.] 3 s.h.

Practicum Requirement (3 s.h)

170:299 The MPH Practicum Experience [Fall/Spr./Su.] 3 s.h.

The experience from this course, including a final written report and an oral presentation, constitutes the final examination for the MPH.

Pre-Requisite:

Students should complete all Core Courses prior to registering for the Practicum. In special circumstances, students may request to take a Core Course concurrently with the Practicum.

For additional information, regarding the practicum experience, please visit the official practicum website.

Required Courses (16 s.h.)

171:173

Intermediate Design of Sample Surveys [Fall]   

 - or -

3 s.h.
171:242 Applied Survival Analysis & Data Cohort Analysis [Spr.] 3 s.h.
171:202 Biostatistical Methods II [Spr.] 4 s.h.
171:241 Applied Categorical Data Analysis [Fall] 3 s.h.
22S:153 Mathematical Statistics I [Fall/Spr.] 3 s.h.
22S:154 Mathematical Statistics II [Fall/Spr.] 3 s.h.

Elective Courses (6 s.h.)

171:164 Research Data Management [Fall/every other year] 3 s.h.
171:242 Applied Survival & Cohort Data Analysis [Spr.] 3 s.h.
171:261 Survival Data Analysis [Fall] 3 s.h.
171:262 Analysis of Categorical Data [Spr.] 3 s.h.
171:264 Longitudinal Data Analysis [Spr./every other year] 3 s.h.
171:266 Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials [Spr.] 3 s.h.
171:271 Advanced Survival Analysis [Spr./odd years] 3 s.h.
22S:138 Bayesian Statistics [Fall] 3 s.h.
22S:161 Applied Multivariate Analysis [Fall/every other year] 3 s.h.
22S:255 Linear Models [Fall] 4 s.h.

Summary of Hour Requirements
MPH Core 19 s.h.
Practicum 3 s.h.
Required courses 16 s.h.
Electives 6 s.h.
Total 44 s.h.
 
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