The department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Florida.
About the Department
The department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics currently has 54 MPH students enrolled in the two concentrations. In Fall of 2008, we admitted our first groups of students to our two newest degree programs: a PhD in Epidemiology, and a PhD in Biostatistics. These programs now have 9 PhD students, and we look forward to the second cohorts beginning in fall 2009. In the coming year, we anticipate the addition of an MS in Biostatistics. These graduate programs and our research are enhanced by our collaborations throughout the University of Florida Health Sciences, and with local, state, and national public health and research agencies.
Biostatistics
Biostatistics focuses on the development and application of statistical techniques to address problems in health-related fields, including epidemiology, medicine, and public health. Biostatisticians are indispensible team members for any reaserch study. We help formulate the scientific questions to be answered, determine the appropriate sampling techniques, coordinate data collection procedures, conduct statistical analyses to answer the scientific questions, and help write up the final results. Often, to fully address the scientific questions of interest, the biostatistician will develop new statistical methodology.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology focuses on the study of the distribution and determinants of health in populations and communities. It is the scientific foundation of public health research that seeks to reduce risk factors and improve health. The discipline also contributes to public health practice and policy, and research in other health related fields such as medicine and pharmacy. This concentration area is designed to train professionals to apply the principles and methods of epidemiological investigation in a broad range of settings.
Mission
The mission of the department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is to provide leadership and scholarship that will improve the health of the public through excellence in training, research and service.
To accomplish this mission the department has these primary goals:
- To educate and train professionals in epidemiology and biostatistics.
- To develop, support, and maintain high-quality doctoral and masters degree programs.
- To advance knowledge of disease and health outcomes through conducting innovative epidemiological and biostatistical methods research across a broad range of health issues and populations.
- To actively promote service and collaboration.
- To involve faculty and students in health problems and issues ranging from the local to the international fields of inquiry, drawing on our affiliation with institutions, funders, and health agencies at all levels.