Competencies and Learning Objectives for Biostatistics

Number Competency Specific course(s) that allow assessment
1Apply the theoretical foundations of probability theory and distribution theoryBIOSTAT601
2Apply foundational mathematical statistical concepts and skills for conducting statistical inferenceBIOSTAT602
3Perform linear regression model fitting and diagnostic assessmentBIOSTAT650
4Understand the main components of generalized linear models and how to choose an appropriate model based on the outcomes and study designBIOSTAT651
5Fit generalized linear models for various outcome types and provide correct interpretation of the resultsBIOSTAT651
6Use general linear models and linear mixed models for analyzing correlated continuous data, as well as marginal (i.e. generalized estimating equations), conditional (i.e. generalized linear mixed model) and transition models for analyzing correlated discrete dataBIOSTAT653
7Properly interpret and present the results from such longitudinal analysis to both methods and substantive audiencesBIOSTAT653
8Analyze, interpret, and communicate through written and oral presentation the results of a statistical analysis of biomedical data to an audience from a variety of health-related areas (e.g. public health, medicine, genetics, biology, psychology, nursing, or pharmacy) and for the broad scientific communityBIOSTAT699

Number Competency Specific course(s) that allow assessment
1Apply the theoretical foundations of probability theory and distribution theory* (same as MS in Biostatistics)BIOSTAT601
2Apply foundational mathematical statistical concepts and skills for conducting statistical inference* (same as MS in Biostatistics)BIOSTAT602
3Perform linear regression model fitting and diagnostic assessment* (same as MS in Biostatistics)BIOSTAT650
4Understand the main components of generalized linear models and how to choose an appropriate model based on the outcomes and study design* (same as MS in Biostatistics)BIOSTAT651
5Fit generalized linear models for various outcome types and provide correct interpretation of the results* (same as MS in Biostatistics)BIOSTAT651
6Apply data science techniques in the analysis of health data, including data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, and data visualizationBIOSTAT620
7Apply basic informatics and computational techniques in the analysis of big health data, and interpret results of statistical analysisBIOSTAT625
8Master the theoretical foundations to design and apply machine learning algorithms in biomedical applications. Understand the process of developing and assessing machine learning algorithms, including design principles, parameter estimations, and performance evaluation. Understand a diverse set of commonly used machine learning algorithms in both supervised and unsupervised learning scenariosBIOSTAT626
9Apply quantitative techniques commonly used to summarize and display big public health dataBIOSTAT629
10Apply descriptive and inferential methodologies according to the type of study design or sampling technique for answering a particular public health questionBIOSTAT629

Number Competency Specific course(s) that allow assessment
1Master the theoretical foundations of probability theory and apply the theoretical principles in probabilistic modeling.BIOSTAT680
2Apply the advanced probability theory and distribution theoryBIOSTAT801
3Derive the advanced theoretical mathematics of statistical inferencesBIOSTAT802
4Understand and apply ethical principles and professional norms to scientific research, covering 10 core areas: data management, mentor/mentee roles, publication, peer review, collaboration, research misconduct, human subjects, animal welfare, conflict of interest, and societal impacts.BIOSTAT810
5Develop new statistical methodology for application in real life problems in BiosciencesDissertation
6Prepare a methodological manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed biostatistical journalDissertation