USC: Academic Bulletins

Professors
Robert M. Bostick, M.D., Medical University of South Carolina, 1976; M.P.H., University of Minnesota, 1990
J. Wanzer Drane, Ph.D., Emory University, 1967
James R. Hebert, Sc.D., Harvard University, 1984
Andrew B. Lawson, Ph.D., University of St. Andrews (UK), 1991
Elizabeth J. Mayer-Davis, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 1992
Harris Pastides, Ph.D., Yale University Graduate School, 1980
Andrew A. Sorensen, Ph.D., Yale University, 1971
John E. Vena, Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo, 1980

Associate Professors
Cheryl L. Addy, Ph.D., Emory University, 1988
Robert E. McKeown, Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1991

Assistant Professors
Matteo Bottai, Sc.D., Harvard University, 1998
Ivo Foppa, M.D., University of Berne, 1987; Sc.D., Harvard University, 2001
Angela D. Liese, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1996

Research Professor
Suzanne D. Baxter, Ph.D., Texas Women's University, 1990

Research Associate Professor
James R. Hussey, Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1983

Research Assistant Professors
Joan E. Cunningham, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1998
James N. Laditka, Ph.D., Syracuse University, 2002
Charity D. Moore, Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2000
Dawen Xie, M.D., Chongqing University of Medical Sciences, 1983; Ph.D., Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1991

Overview

The contributions of public health rest largely on its capacity to identify and solve community-wide health problems. As measurement and research sciences, epidemiology and biostatistics serve as the basic tools for public health action. Both disciplines are part of the scientific core of public health and are a part of the training of all public health professionals. The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is a community of scholars dedicated to the production of new knowledge and the application of that knowledge to public health issues.

The primary missions of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics are to:

provide training at master's and doctoral levels in epidemiology and biostatistics
develop and apply innovative research strategies and analytic methods to discover unknown causes and factors that influence the spread and distribution of disease and disability
provide service to the University, the public, and the health professions through a wide range of activities.

The research goals of the department focus on contributing to the field of public health through:

the development of new knowledge related to chronic or infectious diseases or health conditions
the application of this new knowledge to address current public health issues and problems.

The two major components of the instructional program are epidemiology and biostatistics.

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers the following degrees: Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.), Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The department, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, also offers a dual Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology.

Program in Epidemiology

The major in epidemiology is designed for students pursuing careers in the study of patterns of diseases, disabling conditions, and other indicators of health in human populations. The field of epidemiology involves research into factors that influence human health states or events and evaluation of prevention and treatment interventions. Epidemiologists attempt to establish the causes of health problems by describing the biological, environmenntal, social, and behavioral factors affecting illness and premature death, as well as factors that contribute to health and well-being. Descriptive and analytic techniques are used to gather information on disease occurence; extend basic knowledge about the physical, mental, and social processes affecting health; develop effective disease-control measures; and examine health services, treatments, and intervention programs. The products of such inquiries also are used in the development of health programs and formulation of health policy. Epidemiologic studies often require innovative approaches to study design to identify representative samples and allow assessment of the associations of various factors with development or progression of the disease or health condition of interest while not violating the participants' ethical rights to prevention or treatment activities. Epidemiologists work closely with other public health practitioners, health care professionals, environmental health personnel, behavioral scientists, microbiologists, demographers, biostatisticians, and administrators of health agencies.

Program in Biostatistics

The program in biostatistics is designed for individuals who wish to pursue careers in community health measurement, design and management of health data systems, and the development and application of quantitative methods to health problems. Biostatisticians apply statistical theory, methods, and techniques to the planning, development, and evaluation of health programs and problems. They collect and analyze various types of information; these include demographic and vital statistics, social and business data, health resources statistics, and other forms of social and economic data which are relevant to modern health problems. Biostatisticians design experiments and observational studies, use various computer operating systems and software packages to store and analyze data, develop methods to compare population groups, and prepare inferential and probabilistic statements based on biological, social, and environmental data. Biostatisticians are the theoretical researchers and applied statisticians of public health.

Department Admission Requirements

General. The admission requirements for all degree programs follow those of The Graduate School and include:

a completed application
official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken
official copies of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
a minimum of two letters of recommendation for master's programs; a minimum of three letters for doctoral programs
a statement of career goals which addresses research interests and long term objectives
a current CV or resume for doctoral programs.

Applicants are generally expected to have a GRE verbal plus quantitative score of at least 1000 and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the University of Cambridge's IELTS Academic Course Type 2 exam. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 230 (computer-based) or 570 (paper-based). The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5. Proficiency in English sufficient to undertake graduate study is expected upon entry.

An application packet should be filed no later than February 1 for epidemiology applicants and will not be processed until all required credentials have been received. For admission in the fall, the review process takes place in February with notification to applicants by April.

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

For M.P.H. programs, preference for admission is given to applicants with breadth and depth of academic preparation in the biological and health sciences. Applicants must have at least one year of full-time post-baccalaureate work experience in the field of public health or another health-related field. The following two groups of applicants are considered for this program: graduates of approved schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine or pharmacy; and individuals who have at least a baccalaureate degree in such fields as medical technology, engineering, or one of the sciences and have appropriate experience or previous training in the field of public health.

Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)

Applicants to the M.S.P.H. programs must have a baccalaureate degree in arts, science, or medicine. Prior professional work experience is considered an asset but is not a requirement.

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

For the Dr.P.H. program, applicants must have a master's degree in public health from an accredited school of public health or an equivalent advanced professional degree. Applicants must have at least three years of post-baccalaureate work experience in the field of public health or another health-related field.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Applicants to Ph.D. programs must have a master's degree in the appropriate major area (epidemiology or biostatistics) from an accredited school of public health. Applicants with a master's degree in another area may be admitted with additional course work as determined by the department faculty. Prior professional work experience is considered an asset but is not a requirement.

Programs Overview

Doctoral and master's students in programs in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics gain state-of-the-art knowledge and skills that allow them to function effectively and appropriately in identifying, evaluating, and solving public health problems. Upon completion of the program, the students demonstrate:

a knowledge base of various processes relating to disease, disability, and other health conditions
application of epidemiologic and biostatistical methods in identifying the determinants of disease, disability, and other health conditions
understanding of the design and conduct of research in public health
skill in data analysis and interpretation of research results in the context of prevention and improvements in human health.

Faculty, staff, and students contribute to the University, the public, and the health professions through direct involvement with governance and development issues; dissemination of research through continuing education, consultation and other activities; and professional organizations, program personnel, and policymakers.

Master's Degrees

The Master of Public Health degree (M.P.H.) is designed for experienced health professionals who wish to extend their analytic and investigative abilities. The Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.) is designed for those who wish to acquire skills needed for conducting research in public health.

Epidemiology. The broad objective of the M.P.H. with a major in epidemiology is to prepare an individual to apply epidemiologic skills in a public health setting. The M.S.P.H. with a major in epidemiology focuses on the development of basic research skills for the study of correlates and determinants of disease and other health conditions. Students in both M.P.H. and M.S.P.H. programs:

develop an understanding of the integration of epidemiologic research methods into the principles and philosophy of public health
develop knowledge of the basic epidemiology of commonly studied diseases and other health conditions and health promoting behaviors
describe the natural history, biology/pathophysiology, risk factors, methods unique to the specific situation, and strategies for disease prevention and control for several diseases or health conditions or health promoting behaviors
apply descriptive and analytic epidemiologic methods to investigate and identify factors associated with various health conditions
understand statistical procedures commonly used in public health research and evaluation
develop expertise in computer applications and usage necessary for successfully managing or conducting epidemiologic studies
demonstrate abillity to manage and summarize health-related data and statistics and to calculate and appropriately interpret associations and their relevance to public health
develop skills in presenting demographic, statistical, programmatic, and scientific data accurately and effectively for professional and lay audiences.

In addition, the M.P.H. student will develop an understanding of concepts, methods of implementation, and evaluation of health surveillance systems and demonstrate the ability to integrate epidemiologic concepts and analytic approaches to the study of a specific health problem by working with a mentor in a practice setting, preparing a written report, and giving an oral presentation to professionals who will be using the information generated. The M.S.P.H. student will demonstrate the ability to synthesize the current state of knowledge of a specific problem, critically evaluate findings, develop appropriate research questions to advance the field, and develop and implement a simple research protocol aimed at testing an epidemiologic hypothesis or estimating an effect of a risk factor on a health outcome and report results in a form suitable for dissemination to the scientific community. The M.P.H. requires a minimum of 38 hours; the M.S.P.H. requires a minimum of 41 hours.

Biostatistics. The broad objective of the M.P.H. with a major in biostatistics is to provide opportunities for experienced professionals to expand their analytic and investigative skills in the application of biostatistical principles and techniques. The M.S.P.H. with a major in biostatistics provides the biostatistical concepts, principles, and skills necessary for scientific inquiry into health conditions and related methodologic developments. Students in both programs develop the capacity to:

display mastery of a variety of traditional and newly developed statistical techniques, including multivariable methods for continuous and categorical data analysis
demonstrate the ability to evaluate a given health-related problem and to identify the most appropriate statistical technique for analysis
demonstrate the ability to structure available data in an easily useable form using a variety of data management software tools
demonstrate the ability to use a variety of statistical software packages, to create and maintain databases, and to analyze data
demonstrate the ability to interpret the results of a statistical analysis and to communicate such interpretations in an easily comprehendible manner
demonstrate expertise in and the ability to apply analytic epidemiologic methods used to investigate various health conditions
understand and evaluate current issues and problems in epidemiology and biostatistics.

In addition, students in the M.P.H. program will develop a basic understanding of the philosophy of public health practice, demonstrate application of existing statistical techniques to a current problem or question faced by a health agency, and demonstrate interpretation of the results of a statistical analysis in terms understandable to public health practitioners. The M.S.P.H. program requires students to work independently on a research problem to modify or extend existing statistical techniques to answer questions posed by health-related situations and to synthesize such results into acceptable research papers. The M.P.H. and the M.S.P.H. both require a minimum of 44 hours.

Doctoral Degrees

As part of their training, all doctoral candidates are expected to complete a teaching practicum and a consulting practicum. Dissertation preparation does not count toward satisfying residency requirements established by The Graduate School.

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

The Doctor of Public Health degree in epidemiology and biostatistics is an advanced degree for experienced health professionals. It is designed to prepare practicing professionals in the application of research methods and to provide them with a broad knowledge base for solving public health problems. Recipients of the degree will possess the expertise to:

apply analytic and epidemiologic principles in the course of professional practice
design and implement investigations to identify or explain phenomena bearing on health and illness
provide consultation to other professionals regarding applications of biostatistical and epidemiological methods
develop statistical skills for application in epidemiologic practice
extend expertise in an area of chronic disease, infectious disease, or other health conditions.

The program requires a minimum of 50 credit hours beyond the master's degree.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy is an advanced graduate research degree designed for those who intend to pursue teaching and research careers. The major objective of the Ph.D. degree with a concentration in epidemiology is to prepare an individual to pursue original epidemiologic investigation of diseases of unknown etiology and other health conditions or health behaviors and develop novel methodological approaches. The major objective of the Ph.D. program with a concentration in biostatistics is to prepare an individual to develop and apply biostatistical principles and methods to public health problems.

Epidemiology. The Ph.D. Program in Epidemiology is designed to prepare scientists to teach and to pursue original, independent and collaborative investigation of health conditions of unknown etiology; this includes the development of novel epidemiologic approaches. Recipients of the degree will understand the epidemiology of common chronic and infectious diseases and possess a high level of knowledge in one disease or in a broad category of diseases; extend the body of epidemiologic knowledge regarding disease etiology and/or methodological approaches; and communicate epidemiologic findings and the use of epidemiologic methods through publications, consultations, and teaching. The program requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the master's degree.

Biostatistics. The Ph.D. Program in Biostatistics is designed to train theoretical and methodological biostatisticians. Recipients of the degree will apply both basic and advanced statistical methods to problems of public health and human well-being; extend the use of biostatistical methods through consulting, research reports/publications, and teaching; communicate the use of biostatistical methods through consulting, research reports/publications, and teaching; possess knowledge of an area of application (minor field) beyond that provided by a single survey course. The program requires a minimum of 51 credit hours beyond the master's degree.

Dual Ph.D. Degree Program n Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences

The Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Department of Environmental Health Sciences jointly offer a dual Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology. Epidemiology is a core discipline in public health and represents the methodologic basis for investigating the distribution and determinants of health outcomes. Environmental health sciences, another core discipline of public health, represents a major area of research and practice in measurement of environmental factors and their impact on health outcomes. The dual Ph.D. in epidemiology and environmenal health equips the student to function more effectively at the intersection of these two related but distinct disciplines, with a deeper and broader understanding of the intricate relationships between human health and the environment. The dual Ph.D. requires course work in epidemiology and environmental health sciences selected by the student in consultation with a joint EPID/ENHS advisory committee, and successful completion of dissertation research on a topic spanning both disciplines.

Program Requirements for Epidemiology Degree Programs

A graduate student handbook and a list of specific courses needed to meet these requirements are available in the department.

Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)

Focus on chronic diseases and disabling conditions and infectious diseases (41 hours)

Basic Public Health Core (9 hours)
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Courses (23 hours)
Electives (3 hours)
Thesis (6 hours)

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Focus on chronic diseases and disabling conditions and infectious diseases (42 hours)

Basic Public Health Core (15 hours)
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Courses (18 hours)
Electives (3 hours)
Practice (6 hours)

Electives may be taken in addition to the above 42-hour program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (54 hours beyond the master's degree)

Prerequisites: EPID 701, EPID 741, BIOS 701, BIOS 757, and one of the basic public health core courses or content equivalents.

Epidemiology Courses (21 hours)
Biostatistics Courses (9 hours)
Electives (9 hours)
Dissertation (12 hours)
Seminar (3 hours)

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (50 hours beyond the master's degree)

Prerequisites: EPID 701, EPID 741, BIOS 701, BIOS 757, or content equivalents.

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Courses (26 hours, minimum of 9 hours from each)
Electives (9 hours)
Dissertation (12 hours)
Seminar (3 hours)

Program Requirements for Biostatistics Degree Programs

A graduate student handbook and a list of specific courses needed to meet these requirements are available in the department.

Master of Science in Public Health (M.S.P.H.) (44 hours)

Prerequisites: MATH 141, MATH 142 or content equivalents

Basic Public Health Core (9 hours)

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Courses (26 hours)

Electives (3 hours)

Thesis (6 hours)

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) (44 hours)

Prerequisites: MATH 141, MATH 142 or content equivalents

Basic Public Health Core (15 hours)

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Courses (23 hours)

Practice (6 hours)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (51 hours beyond the master's degree)

Prerequisites: MATH 141, MATH 142, MATH 241, EPID 701, EPID 741, BIOS 701, BIOS 757, advanced course work in applied statistics, or content equivalents.

Biostatistics Courses (800 Level) (9 hours)

Statistics Courses (12 hours)

Biostatistics or Statistics Courses (6 hours)

Electives (9 hours)

Dissertation (12 hours)

Seminar (3 hours)

Course Descriptions

Epidemiology (EPID)

661 -- Parasitology. {=BIOL 531 and ENHS 661} (4) (Prereq: BIOL 460 or consent of instructor) Parasites of biological, economic, and public health importance. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
700 -- Introduction to Epidemiology. (3) (Prereq or coreq: BIOS 700) Principles of epidemiology with examples of selected health problems. Health status of populations and conceptual tools for translating epidemiologic findings into public health action. May not be used as part of a degree program in epidemiology or biostatistics.
701 -- Concepts and Methods of Epidemiology. (3) (Prereq or coreq: BIOS 701 and permission of department) Conceptual foundation of epidemiologic research, quantitative methods, and epidemiologic study design. Intended for those who will be involved in epidemiologic research.
707 -- Ethical Issues in Health Care and Research. {=HSPM 707} (3) The ethical dimensions of decision making in health care delivery, administration and epidemiologic research. Provides ethical foundations for discussion of topics in health-related research and practice.
711 -- Epidemiologic Research Methods. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700) Theoretical and practical aspects of epidemiologic research methods.
720 -- Comprehensive Microbiology. {=MBIM 720} (6) (Prereq: consent of the instructor) Equivalent to MBIM 650 (Medical Microbiology).
725 -- Biologic Basis of Public Health. (3) Survey of the biology of human disease processes at cellular, tissue and body system levels: application of biological principles to contemporary public health problems.
730 -- Public Health Surveillance Systems. (3) (Prereq or coreq: EPID 741) Introduction to the concepts, implementation, and evaluation of surveillance systems to monitor the health of human populations.
741 -- Epidemiologic Methods. (4) (Prereq EPID 701, BIOS 710; Coreq: BIOS 757) Application of epidemiologic methods to current health problems through analysis of secondary data. Strategies for investigating etiologic hypotheses, assessment and control of confounding.
742 -- Epidemiological Concepts in Selected Disease or Health Conditions. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700) The study of selected disease or health conditions illustrative of the interaction between host/agent/environment and the factors involved; and the application of epidemiologic methods to the investigation of such events. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
743 -- Nosocomial Disease Control. (3) (Prereq: BIOS 700, EPID 700, 742, or permission of instructor) Specialization in the identification of potential or existing health hazards in institutional settings of the health care system; and includes instruction in the application of scientific knowledge to the daily routines in the implementation of appropriate control behaviors. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
744 -- Investigative Epidemiology: Cardiovascular Disease. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700) Epidemiology of selected groups of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including etiology, pathophysiology, identification and description of events of CVD, and outcomes. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
745 -- Seminar in Epidemiology. (1 or 2) Analysis of current and prospective issues in epidemiology, including historical foundations. Includes student exploration and critical consideration of current research and unsolved problems in epidemiology. (Pass/Fail grading)
746 -- Investigative Epidemiology: Cancer. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700) Epidemiology of selected cancers in humans, including etiology, pathophysiology, identification and description of events of cancer and outcomes.
747 -- Investigative Epidemiology: Environmental Factors and Human Health. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700, BIOS 700) Emphasis on the epidemiology of selected environmental factors which may affect human health including the identification of health hazards and methods of investigation. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
748 -- Epidemiologic Evaluation of Preventive and Personal Health Care. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700, BIOS 700) Emphasis is on the use of epidemiologic methods and principles in the selection, design, and implementation of evaluation strategies in preventive and personal health service practice areas. Current models and strategies of evaluation appropriate to public health practice will be analyzed and compared. The student is expected to develop and implement an evaluation design. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
749 -- Infectious Disease Epidemiology. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700 and BIOS 700) Emphasis on epidemiological principles and methods basic to investigation, prevention and control of a variety of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal diseases of public health importance.
750 -- Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology. (3) (Prereq: EPID 741 and 749) Quantitative methods for the study of infectious disease dynamics, including study design and analysis, mathematical modeling, computer simulation, and phylogenetic inference.
751 -- Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Their Epidemiology and Control. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700 and BIOS 700) A study of the epidemiology of the various sexually transmitted diseases and their complications, with emphasis on their prevention and control.
752 -- Epidemiology and Control of Parasitic Diseases of Public Health Importance. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700, BIOS 700, and ENHS 661) Study of major parasitic diseases of public health importance. Emphasis on epidemiologic principles and patterns of human morbidity and mortality. Analyzes and evaluates various approaches in prevention and control programs.
753 -- AIDS: Epidemiology and Control. (3) A study of the epidemiology of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and its various implications and issues with emphasis on its prevention and control.
754 -- AIDS Seminar. (1) Critical analysis of current scientific literature on various aspects and issues on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
755 -- Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Pathobiology. (3) (Prereq: EPID 749 and permission of instructor) Principles and factors in emerging infectious diseases with emphasis on epidemiology, pathobiology, prevention, and control.
760 -- Epidemiological Methods in Clinical Trials. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700, BIOS 700, EPID 741) Fundamental and practical issues related to the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of results of clinical trials.
763 -- Nutritional Epidemiology. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700 or 701 and BIOS 700 or 701) Covers methodology for investigating nutrition's role in health, including nutritional assessment and the design and interpretation of research studies. Substantive issues emphasize major public health concerns of the 21st century.
765 -- Reproductive Epidemiology. (3) (Prereq: EPID 741; prereq or coreq: HGEN 725) Epidemiology of major reproductive outcomes in humans with emphasis on pathophysiology, risk factors, analytic methods of investigation and surveillance/monitoring of reproductive events.
768 -- Psychiatric Epidemiology. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700 or 701) Methodologic issues in the epidemiologic study of psychiatric disorder, the epidemiology of mayor psychiatric outcomes, and issues in the study of special populations.
785 -- Laboratory Practice in Clinical Microbiology. (3-6) (Prereq: EPID 700, EPID 742, BIOS 700, MBIM 720, and permission of instructor) Laboratory practice in the subdisciplines of clinical microbiology. May be repeated for a total of 18 hours.
790 -- Independent Study. (1-6) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Directed research on a topic to be developed by M.P.H. or M.S.P.H. student and instructor. May be repeated.
794 -- Selected Topics in Epidemiology. (1-6)
798 -- Public Health Practice. (1-6) (Prereq: 9-10 hours of specified courses including EPID 700, BIOS 700) Performance of a limited work or service project in a public need setting, pursuit of planned learning objectives related to previously identified aspects of the student's chosen role. Self-monitoring and regular seminars focusing on learning accomplishments. (Pass-Fail grading)
799 -- Thesis Preparation. (1-9)
800 -- Epidemiologic Methods II. (3) (Prereq: EPID 741) Advanced quantitative methods and strategies in the design of epidemiologic studies. Multivariable risk models, exposure-time relationships, interactions between causes and interpretation of findings.
801 -- Epidemiologic Methods III. (3) (Prereq: EPID 800) Extension of research design and development issues with focus on grant writing.
810 -- Seminar in the Epidemiology of Trauma. (3) (Prereq: EPID 741, BIOS 759) Seminar presentation and group discussion on the major issues in the study of trauma associated with accidents, injuries, or violence.
820 -- Seminar in the Epidemiology of Health Effects of Physical Activity. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700) Seminar presentation and group discussion on the major issues in the study of physical activity and exercise and their impact on health.
830 -- Seminar in the Epidemiology of Aging. (3) Exploration in depth of theories, current health problems, research, and methodological issues in the epidemiology of aging.
845 -- Doctoral Seminar. (1-3) (Prereq: complete at least one semester of course work and consent of instructor) May be repeated for credit. (Pass-Fail grading)
890 -- Independent Study. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Directed research on a topic to be developed by doctoral student and instructor. May be repeated.
894 -- Selected Topics in Epidemiology. (3) Discussion on current and emerging issues in epidemiology.
899 -- Dissertation Preparation. (1-12) (Prereq: one full year, 18 hrs., of graduate study beyond the master's level)

Biostatistics (BIOS)

650 -- Quantitative Methods in the Health Sciences. (3) (Prereq: STAT 201 or consent of instructor) Designed for professionals and pre-professionals who wish to utilize quantitative methods in public and private decision-making; exploratory data analysis, research methods in natural and controlled environments, and elementary biostatistical methods.
700 -- Introduction to Biostatistics. (3) Health-related statistical applications. Descriptive statistics, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, ANOVA. May not be used as part of a degree program in epidemiology or biostatistics. Three lecture hours and one laboratory hour per week.
701 -- Concepts and Methods of Biostatistics. (3) (Prereq: permission of department) Descriptive and inferential statistical applications to public health. Probability, interval estimation, hypothesis testing, measures of association. Three lecture hours and one laboratory hour per week. Intended for those who will be involved in research applications of biostatistics.
710 -- Effective Data Management for Public Health. (3) (Prereq or coreq: BIOS 700) Statistical data management techniques. Microcomputer applications, communication between microcomputers and mainframe, tape and disk storage, access of large health-related databases.
745 -- Seminar in Biostatistics. (1 or 2) Analysis of current and prospective issues in biostatistics, including historical foundations. Includes student exploration of unsolved problems and examination of central issues in biostatistics. (Pass-Fail grading)
751 -- Health Data Systems. (3) (Prereq: BIOS 700, HSPM 700) Origin and operation of databases serving governmental and institutional policy and management of programs.
752 -- Vital and Health Statistics. (3) (Prereq: BIOS 700, EPID 700) Conventions of use and interpretations of disease rates, indicators, standards, and norms.
753 -- Community Health Studies. (3) (Prereq: BIOS 700, EPID 700, consent of instructor) Process, skills, and management of undertaking health studies in the human community.
757 -- Intermediate Biometrics. (3) (Prereq: a course in introductory statistics) Public health applications of correlation, regression, multiple regression, single and multi-factor analysis of variance and analysis of covariance.
758 -- Advanced Biometrics. (3) (Prereq: BIOS 757) Additional topics in analysis of health data including regression diagnostics, multicollinearity of observational data, ridge/nonlinear regression, principal components, random/mixed effects, unbalanced designs, repeated measures, and sampling and design effects.
759 -- Biostatistical Methods for Rates and Proportions. (2-3) (Prereq: EPID 701 and BIOS 757) The concepts, principles, and biostatistical techniques necessary to analyze categorical epidemiological data including dose response curves, life tables, and discrete measures of association. Estimation of parameters for logistic and other commonly used epidemiological models.
760 -- Biostatistical Methods in Clinical Trials. (3) (Prereq: EPID 700, BIOS 700, EPID 741, BIOS 757) The basic and advanced statistical techniques necessary for the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of results of clinical trials.
790 -- Independent Study. (1-6) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Directed research on a topic to be developed by M.P.H. or M.S.P.H. student and instructor. May be repeated.
794 -- Selected Topics in Biostatistics. (1-6)
798 -- Public Health Practice. (1-6) (Prereq: 9-10 hours of specified courses including EPID 700, BIOS 700) Performance of a limited work or service project in a public need setting, pursuit of planned learning objectives related to previously identified aspects of the student's chosen role. Self-monitoring and regular seminars focusing on learning accomplishments. (Pass-Fail grading)
799 -- Thesis Preparation. (1-9)
805 -- Categorical Data Analysis. {=STAT 770} (3) (Prereq: BIOS 759 or STAT 704 and consent of instructor) Advanced methods for analysis of discrete data. Higher order contingency tables, log-linear and other generalized linear models. Multivariate methods for matched pairs and longitudinal data.
808 -- Environmetrics. {=STAT 708} (3) Statistical methods for environmental and ecological sciences, including nonlinear regression, generalized linear models, spatial analyses/kriging, temporal analyses, meta-analysis, quantitative risk assessment.
810 -- Survival Analysis. (3) (Prereq: BIOS 757) Methods for the analysis of survival data in the biomedical setting. Underlying concepts; standard parametric and nonparametric methods for one or several samples; concomitant variables and the proportional hazards model.
815 -- Generalized Linear Models. {=STAT 775} (3) (Prereq: STAT 713 or STAT 513, and STAT 705 or BIOS 757) Statistical theory and applications extending regression and analysis of variance to non-normal data. An integrated treatment encompassing logistic and other binary regressions, log-linear models, and gamma regression models.
825 -- Public Health Applications of Multiple Regression and Multivariate Methods. (3) (Prereq: STAT 516 or BIOS 757) Matrix models and applications to public health data; specialized discriminant, factor, and cluster analysis techniques; related topics.
840 -- Research Design in the Biomedical Sciences. (3) (Prereq: BIOS 757) Methods of constructing and analyzing studies for biomedical investigations, concepts of blocking, randomization and replication; experimental unit techniques, switch back and crossover designs, confounding in factorial experiments.
845 -- Doctoral Seminar. (1-3) (Prereq: complete at least one semester of course work and consent of instructor) May be repeated for credit. (Pass/Fail grading)
850 -- Binary Dose Response Theory and Methods. {=STAT 772} (3) (Prereq: STAT 512) Threshold, mass action and target theory; empirical dose response functions; methods in current use among health science researchers.
890 -- Independent Study. (1-3) (Prereq: permission of instructor) Directed research on a topic to be developed by doctoral student and instructor. May be repeated.
894 -- Selected Topics in Biostatistics. (3) Discussion on current and emerging issues in biostatistics.
899 -- Dissertation Preparation. (1-12) (Prereq: one full year (18 hrs.) of graduate study beyond the master's level.)

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