Biostatistics Student Handbook

Mission

The overall mission of the Department of Biostatistics has three components. The first is to provide excellent education in biostatistical theory and methods for students in the Department of Biostatistics, the College of Public Health, the Carver College of Medicine, and the University of Iowa. The second component is to conduct outstanding biostatistical research and to collaborate with investigators in conducting important health science research. The third is to use our skills to serve the College of Public Health, the Carver College of Medicine, the University of Iowa, the State of Iowa, and the wider health science community.

Educational Mission

The teaching mission of the Department of Biostatistics is to provide an excellent education in the theory and application of statistical methods used in the health sciences. The scope of this mission covers courses tailored to the other departments within our college, especially epidemiology; introductory courses intended for other colleges, and courses for the training of biostatisticians at the M.P.H., M.S., and Ph.D. levels. For the training of biostatisticians, this program will prepare students to excel in a variety of occupations, including academic positions in colleges of medicine and schools of public health; positions in pharmaceutical and other health-related industries; and positions in local, state, and federal governmental health agencies. All students will be trained in the skilled use of a variety of relevant biostatistical procedures and their software implementation and will gain practical experience by working on collaborative medical projects. Furthermore, Ph.D. students will learn the fundamentals of statistical and biostatistical theory, enabling them to read the biostatistical research literature and to contribute to it.

Administrative Organization

The Department of Biostatistics is one of five departments in the College of Public Health: Biostatistics, Community and Behavioral Health, Epidemiology, Health Management and Policy, and Occupational and Environmental Health.

The Head of the Department of Biostatistics is Dr. Joseph Cavanaugh, who is responsible for administration of the educational, research, and professional service functions of the Department. Dr. Jacob Oleson serves as Director of Graduate Studies. The department currently has 14 primary faculty. Ms. Terry Kirk is Graduate Program Administrator.

More information on the Department of Biostatistics and the College of Public Health can be found at the College of Public Health website

Student Organizations, Committees, and Service Opportunities

The Biostatistics Student Organization (BSO) is an American Statistical Association (ASA) Student Chapter. Any Biostatistics student is automatically a member. Meetings and activities are arranged by students. Officers are elected annually to lead the organization and act as a liaison with departments and colleges.

Each fall the Dean of the College of Public Health invites selected students to participate as members on standing and ad-hoc collegiate committees. These students act as sources of information for the student body and offer an opportunity for student concerns and opinions to be aired. More information on collegiate committee opportunities is available in the College of Public Health Dean’s office.

The American Statistical Association (ASA) offers student memberships at reduced rates to full-time students. Application information is available at the membership portion of the ASA website. The International Biometric Society (Eastern North American Region or “ENAR”) also offers discounted memberships to students (see www.enar.org).

The College of Public Health Graduate Student Association (CPHGSA) at the University of Iowa was established to advocate for opportunities in professional development and outreach, discuss student issues, and create a greater sense of community for all students in the College of Public Health. For more information about this organization, see the College’s CPHGSA web page.

Admission

Minimum Requirements for Admission

The minimum grade-point-average requirement is 3.0 for admission to either the M.S. program or the Ph.D. program.

Non-U.S. citizens are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless they have a degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S., the UK, Canada (except Quebec), Australia, or New Zealand.

A TOEFL minimum score of 250 (computer-based), 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based) is required.

The IELTS as certification of English language proficiency will be accepted. The minimum IELTS score is 7.0 to be considered for admission (with no subscore lower than 6.0). All students submitting scores from the IELTS must take the on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation (EPE) prior to their first UI registration. Remedial English courses may be required based on this evaluation.

Required prerequisites for admission are training in single-variable and multi-variable differential and integral calculus and vector algebra, as well as ability to program in at least one computer language. In addition, completion of a master’s in statistics or biostatistics is generally required for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Previous coursework or experience in statistical methods or data analysis is preferred.

Currently enrolled University of Iowa (UI) graduate students seeking a Master’s degree in Biostatistics concurrently with their primary major must complete a minimum of 15 of the 38 s.h. degree requirements after acceptance to the program. Approval of the home department advisor is required. Applications from current UI graduate students should be received by January 15th for consideration of admission the subsequent fall. Please contact the Graduate Program Administrator for the application requirements.

Policy for “Internal” Application to Ph.D. Program

Students in the University of Iowa’s M.S. program in Biostatistics who have a desire to remain in the department to pursue a Ph.D. need to formally apply for the PhD program by December 1st of their second year, by submitting to the Graduate Program Administrator the following:

  1. An updated résumé
  2. A new “Statement of Purpose”
  3. Two letters of recommendation. One reference should be an individual who can comment on the applicant’s potential as a collaborative researcher and/or a teacher.

The Ph.D. Admissions Committee will consider the above items along with other information already contained in the applicant’s file (M.S. Core Exam scores, GRE scores, transcript, previous application materials, etc.). Students should be aware that excellent academic performance does not guarantee acceptance into the Ph.D. program. Many other factors are considered, such as communication skills, technical skills, ability to perform as a Research Assistant and/or a Teaching Assistant, demonstrated ability to take initiative, leadership skills, and the willingness and availability of faculty members to serve as the dissertation advisor. The Ph.D. Admissions Committee will attempt to make a decision on the application by mid February. Those who are offered admission for the Fall Semester will have until April 15 to accept or decline the offer.

Exceptional candidates who wish to transfer early into the Ph.D. program may, with the approval of their advisor, apply during the fall of their second year to be admitted effective in the subsequent Spring Semester. For these early applications, October 15 is the deadline for submitting the materials listed above, and the M.S. Core Exam must be passed prior to applying. The Biostatistics faculty will attempt to render one of the following decisions by the end of November: acceptance, denial, or deferral. Deferred applications will be reconsidered with others who make the usual December 1st deadline, for consideration for regular Fall admission. Students whose applications are denied or deferred are encouraged to consult with their advisor.

Readmission

If a student’s enrollment is interrupted for any reason so that s/he is not enrolled for three consecutive academic sessions (including the spring, summer, and fall sessions but excluding the winter session) the student must apply for readmission. A readmission application form must be submitted. The Graduate College will not require new letters of recommendation, a new Personal Statement section, a written explanation of the reasons for the absence, nor a plan for degree completion.

Financial Support

Deadlines for Applicants

The Biostatistics Department application deadline for admission and consideration of financial aid is December 1 for fall of the following year. The availability of financial aid is less likely for individuals who miss this deadline. Students who are accepted into the program may be offered a teaching assistant or research assistant position; some students are offered admittance without financial support.

Graduate Assistantships

Research assistantships are available for work in the Biostatistics Consulting Center or on specific research projects in the health sciences. Teaching assistantships are also available. Competitive fellowships may be available through the Department, the University of Iowa, pharmaceutical firms, and the National Institutes of Health.

Most Biostatistics students receive financial aid by working 10-20 hours per week as research assistants or teaching assistants. Working a minimum of 10 hours per week (a 1/4-time position) each semester reduces the graduate college tuition to the in-state level and provides a stipend, a tuition scholarship, and contributions toward health insurance. See Graduate Student Employment Agreement for specific details.

Policies Concerning Financial Support

Offers of financial aid as graduate assistants are subject to satisfactory performance of duties, adequate academic performance in our program (GPA≥3.30), and full-time registration for at least 9 semester hours during both semesters. Should a student’s GPA be less than 3.30 after one semester, his/her advisor, together with the Director of Graduate Studies, will determine whether it is in the student’s best interests to continue with the assistantship, or whether the financial support should be decreased or eliminated to allow the student to focus on coursework. Similarly, a graduate assistant may lose financial aid if his/her job performance is unsatisfactory. Examples of unsatisfactory performance include, but are not limited to: unreliability in completing assignments; missing office hours, classes, lab sections, or required meetings; disrespectful treatment of others; etc.

Toward the end of each academic year, the Director of Graduate Studies and other departmental faculty will review the performance and progress of all graduate students to determine which assistantships should be renewed for the subsequent year. Financial aid will generally continue if a cumulative GPA of 3.50 is maintained, duties are performed in a satisfactory manner, and the student continues to be registered full-time each Fall and Spring semester.

New opportunities for assistantship positions sometimes arise during the year. In such cases, the Director of Graduate Studies will review the progress and status of all students and determine which student(s) to refer for an interview for such positions. Some of these opportunities are appropriate for students who do not yet hold an assistantship. Other opportunities require that a more advanced student be asked to switch efforts to the new position, which could potentially provide an opportunity for a less-experienced student to fill the vacancy created by the switch. All students should keep their résumés current should these opportunities arise.  Academic performance, previous experience, and aptitude are considered when determining the order of priority for financial support.

These policies only pertain to assistantships that are controlled or facilitated by the Department of Biostatistics. Students may also seek graduate assistantships in their areas of interest in departments outside of Biostatistics.

University of Iowa Policies Affecting Students

Students should review University of Iowa Policies Affecting Students. Topics addressed include the student bill of rights, standards of academic conduct, treatment of student educational records, policies on sexual harassment, disability policy, religious diversity, and grievance procedures. Students who believe there has been a violation can contact the Dean of Students Office to discuss options available for reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Graduate College Regulations

All Biostatistics degrees are conferred through the Graduate College. Therefore, we adhere to all Graduate College rules, regulations, and requirements that are outlined in the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College. Students should familiarize themselves with the Graduate College regulations. This site includes valuable information and advice about the Iowa City area and University of Iowa for current and prospective students.

Policy on Student Academic Conduct Standards and Procedures

The University of Iowa Code of Student Life, published each year as an insert to The Daily Iowan, governs student non-academic conduct (including graduate students).

The Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations governs student academic conduct.

Research misconduct, such as the fabrication or falsification of data and plagiarism, is defined by the US Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Research Integrity (definition of misconduct). Egregious acts of research misconduct may also result in additional action by the University of Iowa as stated in section 27.6, Ethics in Research, of the University’s Operations Manual.

Graduate students in the Department of Biostatistics are expected to adhere to all sets of policy guidelines. Students may be sanctioned or dismissed from their program in the event of policy violations.

Please contact the CPH Assistant Dean for Student Services or your Graduate Program Coordinator for further information about these policies.

Academic integrity

Integrity is a core value of the University of Iowa and the College of Public Health. At the University of Iowa, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of professional and scholarly ethics, are accountable for our decisions and actions, exercise responsible stewardship of the resources with which we are entrusted, and treat one another with honesty and fairness. Academic integrity embodies the principles of honesty, fairness, responsibility, and respect, forming the foundation of ethical scholarship and intellectual growth. Upholding academic integrity is not only essential for maintaining the credibility and integrity of the academic community but also for nurturing individuals who contribute positively to society through their knowledge, skills, and ethical conduct. Academic misconduct undermines the efforts and achievements of other students, erodes the trust and credibility that society places in educational institutions, and can have long-lasting consequences for the individuals involved, especially in post-graduate careers.

Academic integrity is a teaching and learning issue, and our policies and procedures are written in that spirit. Academic misconduct can involve many gray areas. The ways that students are allowed to work with other classmates or utilize additional resources can differ between courses which can lead to confusion. Instructors are responsible for making expectations regarding academic integrity and academic misconduct clear and explicit to students in the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and exam instructions. Students are responsible for actively seeking clarification from their course instructors if they are uncertain about whether a situation might involve academic misconduct.

Academic misconduct reporting procedures, sanctions, and appeals

Reporting Academic Misconduct

Each UI college tracks offenses on a shared database (Maxient), with academic misconduct reports thus shared across UI colleges and with more severe consequences for repeat violations.

Incidents of academic misconduct will be investigated and reported in a manner that ensures due process and fairness.

  • Instructors: Instructors are required to report incidents of academic misconduct by filing a violation report and notifying the accused student in writing. Instructors should contact the Assistant Dean of Student Services for access to the reporting form.
  • Students: a student who witnesses an incident of academic misconduct is expected to report the violation to the course instructor. During any investigation, the reporting student may be asked for additional information. The confidentiality of the reporting student will be protected to the greatest extent possible; however, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in all cases.

Reports of academic misconduct are shared with the Graduate College, the Assistant Dean of Student Services in the College of Public Health, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Public Health, as well as the Director of Graduate Studies and Departmental Executive Officer (DEO, Department Chair) in the student’s home department. Academic misconduct records stored in Maxient are not transferred to the student record in MAUI. However, depending on the result of a case (e.g., dismissal/expulsion), a dean’s level note acknowledging academic misconduct as the reason for dismissal/expulsion may be added to the student’s MAUI advising notes. Access to dean’s level MAUI advising notes is highly restricted and campus advisors (e.g., DGS, DEO, Graduate Program Coordinator, faculty advisors) do not have access to these notes. Notes associated with academic misconduct are not recorded on the student’s transcript. Records of academic misconduct violation(s) will be kept for seven years or until the student graduates, whichever comes first.

Academic Misconduct Procedures and Sanctions

In the event that academic misconduct is suspected, the following procedures will be followed:

Course-Level Procedures
  • An instructor who suspects a student of an incident of academic misconduct will investigate whether the suspected misconduct has, in fact, occurred.
  • Instructors who intend to report a student for misconduct should inform the student about their concerns. The instructor will make reasonable attempts to arrange a meeting with the student as soon as is feasible with the student to clarify the situation and to discuss specifics of the incident. The student should be provided the opportunity to respond to the allegation. If the student does not respond or chooses not to meet with the instructor, the instructor should proceed with sanctioning the student (see below) and reporting the incident. 
  • If the meeting between the instructor and the student ultimately results in no sanction (e.g., grade reduction) because the allegation of academic misconduct is not supported, then the process will be considered completed. No additional reporting will be required, nor will there be any information related to the situation entered into the student’s record.
  • If after meeting with the student the instructor determines that the allegation of academic misconduct is founded, then the instructor will make a decision regarding whether or not a sanction (e.g., grade reduction) will be applied and report the allegation by filing a violation report.
    • If the instructor decides not to apply a grade sanction (e.g., issues a warning or provides the student with learning opportunities to address any misunderstandings of academic misconduct), the incident must still be reported.
    • Examples of Course-level Sanctions. In the case of academic misconduct that is related to a course, the instructor will determine the appropriate sanction. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:
      • Requesting a revision of the work in question and accepting the revision for grade assignment
      • Failing the assignment or assigning a lower grade than otherwise would have been given for the assignment
      • Failing a student for the course (must only be considered in consultation with the departmental/programmatic administrative home for the course)

        Instructors are responsible for making expectations regarding academic integrity and academic misconduct clear and explicit to students in the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and exam instructions.
  • The Assistant Dean of Student Services in the College of Public Health will notify the student of any violation report received and the right of the student to request an appeal hearing for review of the case.
  • The student may:
    • Accept responsibility and the instructor’s sanction.
    • Accept responsibility but appeal the instructor’s sanction. Reasons could include inequitable enforcement of the sanction, the sanction is too severe, or the sanction is out of alignment with stated policy in the syllabus.
    • Deny responsibility for the violation and appeal the instructor’s sanction.
Student Appeals of Course-Level Sanctions
  • If the student has any questions about the appeals process, then they should contact the Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Public Health or their Graduate Program Coordinator. Contact information for the Assistant Dean will be provided in the notification letter.  The student may also choose to discuss their situation confidentially with a representative of the Office of the Ombudsperson.
  • Appeals must be in writing to the DEO (Department Chair) of the department in which the course is offered within 30 calendar days of written notification of the instructor’s finding. An email to the DEO is sufficient.
  • The DEO will review the case and submit a decision letter to the student and to the Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Public Health.
  • If the student is not satisfied with the DEO’s decision, the student may then request a review by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA) in the College of Public Health. The request must be written within 30 calendar days of receiving the DEO’s finding. An email to the ADAA is sufficient.
  • The ADAA will review the case and submit a decision letter to the student and to the Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Public Health.
  • If the student is not satisfied with prior decisions, then the student has the right to appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Graduate College, followed by the Office of the Provost, and finally up to the Iowa Board of Regents.
  • Copies of the final determination document will be given to the student, kept by the department, and also given to the Assistant Dean for Student Services to be stored in the Maxient system.
  • When a conflict of interest in the chain of appeals is identified (e.g., the DEO or ADAA is also the student’s instructor, advisor, or supervisor), then an appropriate substitute to hear the appeal will be made.
Departmental Procedures

In the event that academic misconduct is founded, the student’s home department/program will make a determination as to whether or not additional sanctions will be applied by the department/program according to the following procedures:

  • Following a report of academic misconduct, a review committee will meet consisting of the DEO (committee chair), the DGS and the student’s advisor. A meeting will be convened to allow the student an opportunity to discuss the alleged misconduct. The committee will meet to review the available evidence. After the committee has reviewed the report, the committee may assign the student additional sanctions (see below for examples) based on the severity of the offense and the number of previous offenses by the student reported to the department.
  • Examples of Departmental Sanctions. Academic misconduct can involve many gray areas and borderline situations. In these cases, the department might combine or change the sanctions listed below so that they better fit the situation. At the department’s discretion, egregious acts of misconduct may lead to more severe sanctions than suggested below even for a student’s first or second report of misconduct.
    • For first report – The student receives a warning letter in which they are notified of the consequences[KT2]  of any additional offenses related to academic misconduct. The student is required to meet with the Director of Graduate Studies and/or Department Chair (DEO) to discuss the alleged violation(s) and departmental expectations regarding academic integrity. A summary of the violation report will be provided to the student. During the meeting, the DGS and/or DEO will review the sanction imposed by the instructor, review departmental sanctions, and review the appeal process and the deadline to appeal.
    • For second report – The department may require the student to enroll in a non-credit academic integrity seminar. The seminar is completed online, and most students complete the assigned readings and assignments in about 5-15 hours. The student will be charged a course fee of between $100 and $200. 
    • For additional reports – In addition to any penalties listed above, the department may dismiss the student from the graduate program or recommend expulsion from the University. Decisions to dismiss a student from the graduate program or expel the student from the University are made in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Graduate College. Dismissal from the program/department may not automatically dismiss a student from the Graduate College.

Students who fail to complete any of the assigned sanctions may be restricted from course registration in future semesters. Degree conferral may be held for students in their final semester of enrollment until they complete their assigned sanctions.

Student Appeals of Departmental Sanctions
  • If the student has any questions about the appeals process, then they should contact the Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Public Health or their Graduate Program Coordinator. The student may also choose to discuss their situation confidentially with a representative of the Office of the Ombudsperson.
  • Appeals must be in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA) in the College of Public Health within 30 calendar days of written notification of the department’s finding. An email to the ADAA is sufficient.
  • The ADAA will review the case and submit a decision letter to the student and to the Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Public Health.
  • If the student is not satisfied with the ADAA’s decision, then the student has the right to appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Graduate College, followed by the Office of the Provost, and finally up to the Iowa Board of Regents.
  • Copies of the final determination document will be given to the student, kept by the department, and also given to the Assistant Dean for Student Services to be stored in the Maxient system.
  • When a conflict of interest in the chain of appeals is identified (e.g., the ADAA is also the student’s advisor or supervisor), then an appropriate substitute to hear the appeal will be made.

Department of Biostatistics Requirements

Department of Biostatistics requirements, which are supplemental to the Graduate College regulations that can be found in the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College, include:

Advising

When an applicant is admitted to the Department of Biostatistics, the student is assigned a faculty advisor by the Director of Graduate Studies.  If a student wishes to change advisors, the student initiates the change by determining which faculty advisor would be preferred and discussing the possibility with the preferred faculty advisor. Upon approval by the new faculty advisor, the student must then notify the prior advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate Program Administrator. It should be emphasized that the reason for change may be personal or because of the student’s interests, and that there is no requirement that a student remain with the same advisor throughout that student’s academic career.

Registration


Note: International students are subject to registration requirements in addition to those listed below. They are generally required to be registered full-time (at least 9 s.h.) in fall and spring semester, and there are restrictions on the number of courses they are allowed to register for via distance learning, e.g. web classes. International students should contact the Graduate Program Administrator and/or the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) if they have questions about registration requirements in specific situations.

Nine or more semester hours constitutes full-time enrollment during fall and spring semester. An M.S. or Ph.D. student may register for no more than 15 semester hours per semester during fall and spring semester, 8 s.h. during the 8-week summer session, 6 s.h. during the 6-week summer session, or 3 s.h. during the 3-week summer session.

Doctoral students who are post comp may register for less than 9 s.h. and be considered full-time students for the purposes of financial aid. A short-hours registration form will need to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Please contact the Graduate Program Administrator to determine eligibility.

Computer registration is done on the University of Iowa MyUI registration system. Registration instructions are available on the university website and at new student orientation. New students must have presented completed and valid health forms to Student Health & Wellness before being allowed to register; this is required of all students in any of the University of Iowa health sciences colleges. New international students must also participate in an orientation conducted by the Office of International Students and Scholars before being allowed to register for their first session at the University of Iowa.

To register, a student must first obtain electronic authorization from their faculty advisor. The student or the advisor should contact the Graduate Program Administrator for assistance with registration as needed.

Changing Registration

MyUI has a link with the Registrar listing significant academic deadlines for each semester, including deadlines for changes or withdrawal of registration and financial penalties involved.

Changes in registration must be initiated by the student. Students may change registration with no penalty via computer until midnight the day prior to the start of classes. During the first five days of the semester, any change should be completed on MyUI.   Beginning the sixth day of the fall/spring semester or the first day of summer  session, use the “initiate add” request or “drop” in course browse of MyUI, follow the steps in MyUI and obtain the required permissions/authorizations to add a course or drop a course.   Students should be aware that failure to drop classes by the established deadline will result in a successively increased percentage of tuition fee assessment.

Grading

Plus/Minus Grading

Plus/minus grading is an option in Department of Biostatistics courses. Students may check with each course instructor at the beginning of the semester to determine if the option will be used.

Incompletes

A grade of Incomplete (“I”) is to be used only when a student’s work during a session cannot be completed because of illness, accident, or other circumstances beyond the student’s control. The student must submit required work with sufficient time for the instructor to review it and submit a grade by the end of the next semester. Failure to do this results in a grade of “F.” Students with “I” from spring semester have until the end of the following fall semester to remove an “I.”

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading

A grading system of S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) rather than letter grading may be used for courses taken outside the major department, provided that the course instructor and the student’s advisor approve the registration. Arrangements for S/U grading in these courses are accomplished by filing a form with appropriate signatures and submit to the Registrar’s Office at the time of registration or no later than the last day of the second week of a semester. Under S/U grading, the student receives credit for the course if the course is completed satisfactorily, but the course is not included in calculating the grade-point average.

In registrations for any thesis research, independent study, or seminar classes, S/U grading may be applied automatically at the discretion of the instructor.

Retaking a Course

For courses that are repeated, the Graduate College does not have a ‘second-grade only’ policy (where re-taking a course results in the replacement of the original  grade). Therefore, re-registering for a course will not result in the removal of the original grade from a transcript. The two ways to remove a grade from a transcript are (1) by a retroactive withdrawal granted from the Graduate College (approved only in rare cases) or (2) by an instructor-initiated grade change.

Departmental Plan of Study

A departmental plan of study (MyPlan) must be submitted within the first semester of study. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that any requested course waivers or transfer credits are approved, and that the student will have completed the appropriate coursework to receive the degree. Plans of study for new students will be discussed during a session conducted by the Graduate Studies Director at the department’s orientation.

Students should meet with their advisor to complete a MyPlan in MyUI  (see Sample Plans of Study in MyUI).  Biostatistics courses and other department course descriptions are available in the General Catalog.  When your MyPlan is complete and approved by your advisor, email the Graduate Program Administrator to confirm your MyPlan has been completed. The student and his/her advisor will then be informed if the MyPlan requires modification.

Registration clearance for subsequent enrollment periods will not be released until an approved MyPlan is on file. MyPlans should be updated as needed.

M.P.H. students should consult the M.P.H. Student Handbook  prior to initiating the MyPlan.

Waiver of Courses

Students may request that a required course be waived. A waiver means that the student is not required to enroll in the course, and the student does not receive credit for the course. Examples of appropriate use of a waiver include completion of the course more than ten years prior to anticipated graduation or completion of the course as an undergraduate student.

Transfer Credits

Students requesting transfer of credit hours must include information about the course (institution, course title, number of credit hours, and grade) and a course description sufficient to determine whether it is an acceptable substitute for the replaced course. Transfer credits from other colleges and universities are also evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Office. The department cannot approve transfer hours from other institutions unless the Graduate Admissions Office awards graduate credit hours.

Academic Standing

Any Biostatistics student who receives more than six semester hours of C+ or lower on courses included in the student’s plan of study, including any transfer hours, will be dismissed from the program. Any student who does receive more than six semester hours of C+ or lower may appeal the dismissal in writing to the Head of the Department. Student appeals must be voted on by the Department faculty within two semesters, including summer session, from the end of the semester in which the last C+ or lower grade was received.

While pursuing a degree, students are expected to maintain a 3.00 or better grade-point average. A student with less than a 2.75 G.P.A. (for M.S.) or 3.00 G.P.A. (for Ph.D.) after 8 or more semester hours of graduate work will be placed on probation by the Graduate College. Refer to Sec. IV. of the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College for details on probation and dismissal standards, procedures, and appeals.

Application for Degree

A student is required to file an Application for Graduate College Degree by the posted deadline of the session (fall, spring, or summer) in which the student intends to graduate. The Degree Application link is on MyUI under Student Information.

The Graduate Program Administrator will file associated required documentation to the Graduate College for graduation in consultation with the student and the advisor.

M.S. in Biostatistics

Degree requirements for the M.S. in Biostatistics.

Preceptorship Guidelines

The Preceptorship in Biostatistics (BIOS:7500) is a mentored research project involving the application of skills and knowledge acquired elsewhere in the curriculum. Preceptorship projects are supervised by Biostatistics faculty (primary, secondary, or adjunct), and may also involve other collaborators in the department, the college, the university, a governmental agency, or private industry. Other rules governing the preceptorship include the following:

  1. The student and the faculty supervisor should meet at the beginning of the preceptorship to discuss the educational and scientific goals of the preceptorship. They should also discuss general expectations, such as the anticipated format and time frame of the components of the project.
  2. Preceptorship projects must be motivated by real-world scientific questions, which may be addressed through data analysis, simulation studies, and/or methodological investigations.
  3. The students are encouraged to demonstrate initiative and creativity in addressing the scientific questions, while incorporating the advice given by their preceptorship supervisor. In collaborative projects, students should demonstrate appropriate teamwork.
  4. Generally, the preceptorship is taken for 3 s.h, and must involve approximately 135 hours of work (similar to lecture-style courses). If the student already has sufficient experience in Biostatistical collaborations (as determined by the student’s advisor and the Director of Graduate Students), a student may choose to take the preceptorship for 1 s.h. (approximately 45 hours of work). The hours spent on the preceptorship must be in addition to any work the student spends on their regular paid assistantship (e.g., work as a research assistant).
  5. Letter grading must be issued.  Maximum grade is an A.
  6. A written report of 1200-1500 words in length is a required component of the course. The supervisor will decide how to incorporate this in the overall grading of the course.
  7. An oral presentation is required. The length of the presentation will be 15 minutes, and 5 minutes will be allowed for questions after the presentation.
  8. A feedback form will be given to those who attend the oral presentation (faculty and other students), to be made available to the supervisor and student as part of the evaluation process.

Preceptorship presentations are generally scheduled towards the end of the fall and spring semesters. The scheduling of presentations at alternate times must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Master’s Core Examination

The Master’s core examination is a written in-class two-day exam focusing on the required biostatistics and statistics courses. The exam is three hours each day. The first day covers the STAT:4100/4101 section. The second day covers the three sections BIOS:5710/5720/5730; each of which is expected to be approximately 60 minutes in length.

The MS Core Examination is designed to assess the four core areas of the MS curriculum. A section score above 70% is considered passing level, while a score below 70% is indicative of deficiencies in the student’s understanding of the core material for that section.  Passing all four sections of the examination is sufficient to pass the overall examination. Students who score below 70% in one or more sections will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

This exam is offered twice per year, in late July and mid-January. The exam may be repeated once. M.S. students are expected to take the examination before the start of their third semester. Copies of past exams are available for review on the shared network folder: P:\BIO\Admin\Biostat Shared by All\MS Core Exams. Any student who has a disability that may require some modification of seating or testing must inform the Graduate Program Administrator when intent is declared to take the examination.

Outline of Topics Covered on the M.S. Core Examination:

  1. Probability/Inference
    1. Definitions and basic rules
    2. Conditional probability, independence, and Bayes’ theorem
    3. Probability density functions, probability mass functions, cumulative distribution functions
    4. Joint, conditional, and marginal distributions
    5. Transformations of random variables
    6. Expected values and moments
    7. Discrete distributions* (expected to know pmf, mean, variance)
      – binomial (Bernoulli), Poisson, geometric, and negative binomial
    8. Continuous distributions* (expected to know pdf, mean, variance)
      – beta, exponential, gamma, and normal
    9. Distributions of functions of random variables
    10. Properties of statistics
      – unbiasedness, bias, MSE, variance, and their inter-relationship
    11. Construction of confidence intervals
    12. Maximum likelihood – point estimation, Fisher information
    13. Cramer-Rao inequality and lower bound
    14. Maximum likelihood tests
      – likelihood ratio, Wald, and score
      – rejection regions, p-values, and relation to confidence intervals
    15. Delta Method

      * If a question relates some other distribution (e.g., the hypergeometric, multinomial, Cauchy, chi squared, F, Pareto, t, or Weibull), you will be provided with the pmf or pdf.
  2. Biostatistical Methods I
    1. Data types and scales
    2. Study designs
    3. Graphs and tables
    4. Descriptive statistics
    5. Confounding
    6. Probability laws
    7. Bayes’ Theorem
    8. Random variables and expectations
    9. Discrete and continuous distributions
    10. Sampling distributions and central limit theorem
    11. Frequentist estimation and confidence intervals
    12. Bayesian inference and credible intervals
    13. Hypothesis testing
    14. 1-sample and 2-sample techniques
    15. t-tests and chi-square tests
    16. Sensitivity, specificity, relative risk, and odds ratio   
    17. Resampling and bootstrapping
    18. Nonparametric tests and transformations
    19. Simple linear regression  and correlation
    20. Power sample size calculations
    21. Multiple comparisons and interpretations of p-values
  3. Biostatistical Methods II
    1. Linear Models
      1. One-way ANOVA
      2. SLR
      3. MLR
      4. Categorical covariates, interaction terms, and non-linear regression terms
    2. Estimation and Inference
      1. Frequentist confidence and prediction intervals
      2. Bayesian credible and prediction intervals
      3. Interpretation and use of p-values
      4. Posterior summaries (probabilities, ROPE)
      5. Mediation
      6. The purpose and use of FWER and FDR corrections
    3. Model Fitting and Applications
      1. Diagnostics and remedial measures
      2. Response and covariate variable transformations and interpretations, including standardization
      3. Model Selection (information criteria, Bayes factors)
      4. Prior specification
      5. Coefficient of determination and partial coefficient of determination
  4. Biostatistical Methods in Categorical Data
    1. Binomial proportions
      a. Exact and approximate inference
      b. Wald, score, and likelihood ratio tests
    2. Prevalence and incidence
    3. Cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies
    4. Two and three-way contingency tables
    5. Relative risk and odds ratio
    6. Effect modification and confounding
    7. Adjustment of confounding using stratification
      a. Indirect and direct stratification
      b. Mantel-Haentzel methods
      c. Matching
    8. Logistic regression
      a. Odds ratio estimation and interpretation
      b. Statistical test of associations
      c. Model-building strategies
      d. Model diagnostics
      e. Conditional, cumulative, and multinomial (polytomous) logit models
      f. Analysis of clustered data
    9. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses
    10. Poisson and negative binomial regression
    11. Sample size

M.P.H. in Biostatistics

Degree requirements for the M.P.H. in Biostatistics.

M.P.H. students completing the Biostatistics subtrack (M.P.H.-Biostatistics) are part of the Biostatistics student body.  M.P.H. students should be aware of the following:

M.P.H. students have their own student handbook and are held accountable for the policies and procedures stated in that handbook. M.P.H.-Biostatistics students may find the Biostatistics student handbook a helpful resource, but should not consider that its policies alone pertain to them. The capstone and applied practice  experience are the culminating requirement of the M.P.H. degree. Students should begin to plan for the applied practice  experience and meet with the M.P.H. applied practice advisor early in their program.

M.P.H. in Biostatistics Compared to the M.S. in Biostatistics

Ph.D. in Biostatistics

Degree requirements for the Ph.D. in Biostatistics.

Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

See also Section XII K. in the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College. The Ph.D. comprehensive examination is administered by the departmental Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination Steering Committee. The examination consists of two parts, an in-class component and a take-home component.

The Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination Steering Committee will be comprised of at least five faculty members from the Department of Biostatistics. The committee is responsible for (1) assigning individual sections of the exam to the faculty members who will write the problems for these sections, (2) reviewing the exam sections and recommending revisions (if warranted), (3) approving the final version of the exam, and (4) providing feedback, and possibly recommendations, to the faculty once the exam has been administered and graded. The faculty members who write the problems for the individual exam sections will comprise the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination Committee. The problems on a section for a course will typically be written by the most recent course instructor; otherwise, the problems will be reviewed by the most recent instructor.

In-Class Component

The in-class component is a two-day in-class exam; each day is three hours in length. The in-class examination will be comprised of two courses: BIOS:7110 Likelihood Theory and Extensions and BIOS:7250 Theory of Linear/Generalized Linear Models.

Take-Home Component

  • The Take-Home examination will be comprised of two sections:
    • Selective Section
    • Required Section
  • The student will choose the topic for the Selective Section from among the following courses:
    • BIOS:6810 Bayesian Methods and Design
    • BIOS:7210 Survival Data Analysis
    • BIOS:7310 Longitudinal Data Analysis
    • BIOS:7410 Analysis of Categorical Data

This section will be predominantly data analytic, yet should also involve theoretical and/or computational problems. The theoretical and/or computational problems will comprise at most one-third of the overall content of this section. It is expected that each section can be written and completed in two days (i.e., six to eight hours of work).

  • The Required Section will involve programming a simulation study, generally in R, and will be focused on some independent investigation with practical implications.
  • The Required Section will be written so that every student after two years in the program will have the appropriate background to complete the section.

The student should meet with his/her advisor by the end of the spring semester prior to the PhD Comprehensive Examination to discuss the topic selections and complete the “Course Approval Request” form. This form should be submitted to the Graduate Program Administrator by the end of the spring semester prior to the examination.

Grading Policy for the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

The examination results will be summarized and reported to the entire faculty for discussion and evaluation. Students’ identities will be blinded during grading and the initial faculty discussion. For each student, the faculty will determine whether the performance constitutes a passing performance, a failing performance, or a borderline performance. For any student deemed to have a borderline performance, the blind will be removed, and additional information regarding the student’s academic performance may be discussed and taken into account before a decision is reached (e.g., grades in coursework, prior research experience, etc.).

Each section of the Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam is independently graded on a 100-point scale. A section score above 70 is considered a pass, while a score below 70 is indicative of deficiencies in the student’s understanding of the material for that section.  Passing all four sections of the examination is sufficient to pass the overall examination.  Students who score below 70 in one or more sections will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

One decision will be made based on the overall performance on both the in-class and take-home components. An overall result of Satisfactory will be reported to the Graduate College if the performance is ultimately determined to be passing; an overall result of Unsatisfactory will be reported if the performance is judged to failing. Otherwise, an overall result of Reservations will be reported to the Graduate College, along with specific remedial measures to address the faculty concerns. These measures may include (yet are not limited to) retaking one component of the exam or retaking one or more courses. The students will be required to complete these remedial requirements before a specified deadline.

The steering committee members will sign the required Graduate College examination reporting form consistent with the departmental vote.

If a student fails the exam, he/she must retake both exam components the following year. A second failure generally leads to dismissal from the doctoral program.

The Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination is offered once yearly. Copies of past written exams are available for review in the shared network folder: P:\BIO\Admin\Biostat Shared by All\PhD Comprehensive Exams. Any student who has a disability that may require some modification of seating or testing must inform the Biostatistics Graduate Program Administrator when intent is declared to take the examination.

Outline of possible topics covered by the Ph.D. in-class comprehensive examination

BIOS:7110  Likelihood Theory and Extensions

  1. Tools of Mathematical Statistics
    • Vectors, vector calculus, and norms
    • Limits, convergence, and Taylor series expansions
    • Multivariate normal distribution
    • Convergence in probability, distribution, mean, and almost surely
    • Characteristic functions, the law of large numbers, and the central limit theorem
    • Transformations and the multivariate Delta method
  2. Likelihood theory
    • Exponential families
    • Properties of score and information
    • Consistency
    • Asymptotic normality
    • Efficiency
    • Score, Wald, and Likelihood ratio tests
  3. Likelihood extensions
    • Profile likelihood
    • Conditional likelihood
    • Marginal likelihood
    • Penalized likelihood

BIOS:7250 Theory of Linear and Generalized Linear Models

  1. Foundations: Matrix Algebra
    • Basic Definitions and Results
    • Vector and Metric Spaces
    • Linear Dependence and Independence
    • Bases and Spanning Sets for Vector Spaces
    • Column and Row Spaces for Matrices
    • Matrix Inverses and Generalized Inverses
    • Linear Systems
    • Orthogonal Matrices
    • Projections and Projection Matrices
    • Quadratic Forms
    • Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
    • Vector / Matrix Differentiation
    • Nonnegative and Positive Definite Matrices
    • Matrix Decompositions
    • Submatrices and Partitioned Matrices
  2. Foundations: Distributional Results
    • Random Vectors and Matrices
    • Normal, Chi-Square, F, and t Distributions
    • Multivariate Normal Distribution
    • Distributions for Quadratic Forms
  3. Linear Models: Estimation
    • Least Squares Estimation
    • Best Linear Unbiased Estimation
    • Maximum Likelihood Estimation
    • Minimum Variance Unbiased Estimation
    • Sampling Distributions of Estimators
    • Generalized Least Squares
    • Normal Equations
  4. Linear Models: Testing
    • Testing Models
    • Testing Linear Parametric Functions
    • Partitioning Sums of Squares
    • Test Inversion and Confidence Regions
    • Testing for Generalized Least Squares Models
  5. Linear Modeling Classes
    • Linear Regression
    • One and Two Factor Analysis of Variance
    • Analysis of Covariance
  6. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs)
    • GLM Components
    • Exponential Families
    • Identifiability
    • Moments, Likelihood, and Likelihood Equations for GLMs
    • Maximum Likelihood / Newton-Raphson / Fisher Scoring
    • Likelihood-Ratio / Wald / Score Methods of Inference for GLMs
    • Deviance / Assessment of Model Fit / Estimation of Dispersion Parameters
    • Pearson and Deviance Residuals / GLM Diagnostics
    • Quasi-Likelihood Estimation
    • Overdispersed GLMs and Quasi-Likelihood Estimation
    • Generalized Additive Models (GAMs)
  7. Generalized Linear Modeling Classes
    • Continuous Outcomes / Gaussian and Gamma Regression
    • Binary Outcomes / Logistic Regression
    • Count Outcomes / Poisson and Negative Binomial Regression
    • Multicategorical Outcomes / Baseline Category and Cumulative Logit Models
  8. Introduction to Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs)

Continuous Registration after Completion of the Comprehensive Examination

A student is required to register each fall and spring semester after passing the Ph.D. comprehensive examination until the degree is awarded. If a student has no courses to take, the student can fulfill this requirement by registering for 1 s.h. Graduate College course GRAD:6002 (000.001) Doctoral Continuous Registration. For details, see Section XII.K. of the Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College.

Ph.D. Dissertation

Students should refer to the Graduate College website Thesis and Dissertation for specifics on Graduate College regulations and resources for preparation of doctoral dissertations.

The final examination (dissertation defense) may not be held until the next session after passing the comprehensive examination; however, a student must pass the final examination no later than five years after passing the comprehensive examination. Failure to meet this deadline will result in reexamination of the student to determine his or her qualifications for taking the final examination.

The goal of the dissertation is to produce a document from which at least one manuscript can be composed that is publishable in a peer-reviewed journal. Original thought is required in the formulation and conduct of the research, although neither original data collection nor data analysis is strictly required. The structure of the dissertation shall be determined by the dissertation committee in accordance with the Graduate College Rules and Regulations. The doctoral dissertation defense is an oral presentation of the purpose, methods, and results of the dissertation research. A specially formed committee will thoroughly examine the student’s area of knowledge associated with the content of the work.

Dissertation Committee

The student is responsible for obtaining a dissertation advisor. The dissertation advisor should have a primary, secondary, or joint faculty appointment in the Department of Biostatistics. If a secondary faculty has agreed to advise a dissertation, the student should consult the DGS to determine whether a primary faculty member should serve as co-advisor. The student, in collaboration with the dissertation advisor(s), will constitute a dissertation committee consisting of no fewer than four members of the Graduate College faculty.  The committee must include:

  • At least two faculty  members must be tenure-track faculty in the Department of Biostatistics.
  • At least three faculty members must be members of the University of Iowa tenure-track faculty.

Prior to the prospectus, the student should submit a completed Biostatistics Dissertation Committee Approval form to the Graduate Program Administrator after the committee has been established.  This dissertation committee will evaluate the topic area of research and will provide direction during the preparation of the dissertation by participation in the evaluation, revision, and approval of the dissertation prospectus.

Dissertation Prospectus

The dissertation prospectus describes the rationale for the proposed research and outlines its basic components.

When the dissertation research has progressed to the point where the student and dissertation advisor feel comfortable outlining the eventual contents of the dissertation, the student is required to arrange a meeting to present a summary of proposed research to the dissertation committee. This prospectus should include some completed work, some work in preparation, and some planned work. The prospectus meeting must take place after forming the dissertation committee, and at least one semester prior to the dissertation defense.  After dissertation committee approval, no more than 12 months should pass between meetings with the dissertation committee.

The prospectus meeting serves two purposes:

  • It provides an opportunity for the student and dissertation advisor to receive feedback, advice, and commentary on the direction of their research from other faculty members.
  • It informs the dissertation committee of the direction of the dissertation research.

Ideally, the meeting results in a consensus among the committee members and the student that the scope of the proposed research is consistent with departmental and university dissertation standards. The committee will vote “No follow-up needed prior to defense” or “Meet again prior to defense.” Two or more “Meet again” votes requires an additional prospectus meeting prior to the defense (Biostatistics Prospectus Approval Form).

The primary component of the prospectus is the oral presentation to the committee. However, to prepare the committee for the meeting, students are expected to provide a written document one week in advance of the prospectus meeting. The form of this document is left to the discretion of the student and advisor, and may consist of a short written description of the proposed research, an electronic copy of the slides to be presented at the meeting, or a preliminary version of the thesis itself with early drafts of some chapters and rough outlines of others.

Dissertation Defense

The student schedules a final examination (doctoral dissertation defense) meeting with the committee. The student is required to: a) have met the dissertation prospectus requirement, b) have met all other requirements for graduation, including passing the comprehensive examination, c) submit thesis single deposit in accordance with the Graduate College rules, and d) distribute the written copy of the dissertation to the dissertation committee members no later than two weeks before the scheduled dissertation defense.

During the defense, the dissertation committee will thoroughly examine the student’s knowledge in the content area of the research. Doctoral dissertation defense examinations are open to the public. Members of the University community are free to attend the open portion of the session.

The final examination (dissertation defense) will be evaluated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Two unsatisfactory votes will make the committee report unsatisfactory. In case of a report of unsatisfactory in the final examination, the candidate may not present himself or herself for re-examination until the next session or later. The examination may be repeated only once.

The student must deposit the final form of their thesis, which has been approved by the dissertation committee, to the Graduate College by its deadline in order to receive the degree.

Time Considerations
Deadlines are set by the Graduate College for scheduling the dissertation defense and single deposit of the thesis to the Graduate College. Refer to the Graduate Program Administrator and/or posted deadlines for a particular academic session. See Office of the Registrar for posted deadlines.

Undergraduate to Graduate Degree

See our page for undergraduate to graduate degrees in biostatistics.

Satisfactory Progress in the M.S. and Ph.D. Programs

Students are expected to make satisfactory progress in earning their graduate degrees. Satisfactory progress is defined by the following criteria.

  • Students must register for courses each fall and spring semester until course requirements are completed. Students who hold assistantships or fellowships must register for a minimum of 9 s.h.
  • Students are expected to complete and save a plan of study (MyPlan) in MyUI by the start of  their second semester in the program.
  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 if receiving financial aid. Failure to maintain a 3.3 GPA may result in the decrease or elimination of financial support. Students who do not receive financial aid are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • For courses included in the plan of study, students must not receive a grade of C+ or lower in more than 6 s.h. of coursework.
  • Students in the M.S. program are expected to take the M.S. Core Examination at the beginning of their third semester. Exemptions can only be granted by the Director of Graduate Studies.
  • Students who enter the Ph.D. program without an M.S. degree in Statistics or Biostatistics are expected to take the M.S. Core Examination at the beginning of their third semester in the graduate program, and the PhD Comprehensive Examination by the beginning of their fifth semester in the graduate program. Students who enter the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree in Statistics or Biostatistics (or equivalent training) are expected to complete the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination by the beginning of their third semester in the Ph.D. program. Exemptions can only be granted by the Director of Graduate Studies.
  • Students in the Ph.D. program are expected to complete and present their doctoral prospectus within five semesters after passing the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination.
  • Students in the M.S. program are expected to complete their degree requirements in two years. Students who enter the Ph.D. program without an M.S. degree in Statistics or Biostatistics are expected to complete their degree requirements in five years. Students who enter the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree in Statistics or Biostatistics (or equivalent training) are expected to complete their degree requirements in four years.
  • Financial support for students who do not complete their degree requirements within the expected timeline is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funding. For the limited circumstances where financial support is continued for doctoral students who exceed the expected timeline by a year or more, the normative level of support will be a quarter-time as opposed to a half-time assistantship.
  • Students are expected to regularly attend departmental seminars and to document their attendance by completing the “sign in” sheet.

In addition, students receiving financial support in the form of an assistantship will be evaluated at the end of every semester by their assistantship supervisor(s). Students must perform satisfactorily in fulfilling their responsibilities. Failure to do so may result in the decrease or elimination of financial support.

At the end of each academic year, current students will meet with their advisors to review a report prepared by the academic advisor to assess the student’s progress, and to document any unfulfilled requirements for maintaining satisfactory progress. This report must be signed by both the advisor and the student, and submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies. To request exemptions from any of the preceding requirements, a written statement must be submitted by the student to both the academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. This statement must include a written plan for completing the program.

Students who fail to make satisfactory progress will be asked to meet with their academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies, to discuss the expectations and requirements for continuing in the program. Requirements will be provided to the student in writing, along with a timeline for fulfilling them. If the requirements are not fulfilled within the specified timeline, the student is subject to dismissal from the program. This decision is based on a majority vote of the Biostatistics faculty.

Student Progress Report; M.S. Degree

Student Progress Report; Ph.D. Degree

Seminars

Throughout the academic year, biostatisticians and statisticians from academia and industry are invited to present research seminars in the department. The Biostatistics seminars are normally scheduled twice monthly on Mondays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. These seminars provide an excellent opportunity for students to meet and network with leaders in the field and learn about current research. Biostatistics students are expected to attend the Biostatistics seminars. Seminar announcements are emailed to Biostatistics students and faculty and posted on the Biostatistics website.

The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science Colloquium is scheduled on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. in Schaeffer Hall during the academic year. Many of the topics covered in these colloquia are of interest to biostatisticians as well.

General Information for Students

Computer Lab

The Department of Biostatistics computer lab in C310-CPHB is available for use by Biostatistics students when it is not in use for a class. Students are assigned College of Public Health computer accounts at orientation, and will be given 24/7 electronic access for evening and weekend access to the computer lab. Food or drink is not allowed in the computing lab.

Other university computer labs (ITCs) are available throughout campus, including one at nearby Hardin Library. A complete list of available ITCs can be obtained through the University’s Information Technology Services office. A variety of software applications are available to you via the Virtual Desktop at the University of Iowa.

Scan to Email

You may also scan documents to your email from the copier/scanner in Room N335 in the Department of Biostatistics. The College of Public Health has two “scan to e-mail” stations which are located in S206 and S207. These stations will allow you to scan a document directly to your e-mail account. Information on regarding use of this email technology is located on the CPH IT Support website.

Printing

Printers are available for student use in the Biostatistics Computing Lab (C310),  the west wing (N374) of the Biostatistics Department and in the fifth-floor student computing area (N551). Black and white printing is $0.03 per print side. Color printing is $0.15 per print side.  Printing is charged to the student’s University Bill (U-Bill).  The ITC Student Printing service is a campus-wide/enterprise service. In other words, students can print to any ITC on campus.  For printing/supplies for your assistantship, please contact your supervisor.

Web Print Release Stations in CPHB

There are two Web Print Release Stations, which are located in S206 and S207. These stations will allow you to print from your personal laptop or home computer (with internet connectivity). Here are further instructions — https://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/102875. Once you print from your wireless laptop or home system, the print job is not released (and or charged) until you go to the Web Print Release Station (located in S206 or S207) and release it.

Confidential Resources

Desk Space

Limited space is available for graduate students either working as graduate assistants or on a dissertation. Priority is given for students who are graduate research assistants or teaching assistants. Graduate students with office space elsewhere on campus will only be given space if available. Desk allocations are reviewed each semester and are renewed in August. However, designated space can be reassigned at any time as needed or if space is unused.

E-mail

Every student will have a university e-mail account upon accepting admission. The student will be connected to the College of Public Health network individually and included in the Biostatistics Student Group e-mail distribution list. Via email, students receive information such as seminar announcements, job announcements, program information, etc. E-mail messages should be checked regularly.

Food at Meetings

The Department of Biostatistics does not expect any student to provide food or beverages at committee meetings, prospectus meetings or thesis defenses for the audience or for the committee members.

Job and Internship Announcements

Announcements of employment and internship opportunities are communicated to students via e-mail. Recent employment opportunities are posted on the Biostatistics website.

Travel Funds

Each year the department earmarks limited funds for student travel to meetings and conferences. Requests for funding should be addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies, and should include information about the meeting and its URL, the reason for attending (for instance, a poster or oral presentation), and an itemization of funding requested.

Course Descriptions