Biostatistics

University of California, Berkeley

Overview

Many issues in the health, medical, and biological sciences are addressed by collecting and exploring relevant data. The development and application of techniques to better understand such data are the fundamental concern of the Group in Biostatistics. The program offers training in the theory of statistics and biostatistics, the computer implementation of analytic methods, and opportunities to use this knowledge in areas of biological/medical research. The curriculum is taught principally by members of the Department of Statistics (College of Letters and Science) and the Division of Biostatistics (School of Public Health) and provides a wide range of ideas and approaches to the analysis of data.

Research Facilities

Graduate students in the group have direct access to a variety of specialized computing resources, as well as the services of the campus computing facilities. Research activity of the faculty currently includes biostatistical computing, statistical issues in AIDS research, survival analysis, environmental health, epidemiology, and statistical methods in genetics and computational biology. Projects in research areas provide opportunities for both practical experience and individual research. Cooperation with other departments allows unusually broad and effective training in both theoretical and applied directions.

Graduate Programs

MA in Biostatistics

Our master’s program is a two-year program consisting of 48 units with courses selected from biostatistics and statistics, public health, and biology. Previous coursework in calculus and linear algebra is suggested. Common undergraduate majors for admitted applicants include biomedical and biological sciences, mathematics, and statistics.

PhD in Biostatistics

This program offers training in the theory of statistics and biostatistics, computer implementation of analytic methods and opportunities to use this knowledge in areas of biological/medical research. This program requires four to six semesters of coursework followed by two to four semesters to complete examinations and prepare a dissertation. Applicants should have completed undergraduate and graduate work in calculus and linear algebra and have a strong overall quantitative background.

The School of Public Health has specific admissions instructions and criteria that are separate from that of the larger campus. Please visit the School of Public Health website for a full list of instructions and deadlines. 

Explore our Graduate Programs

Contact Information

Graduate Group in Biostatistics

2121 Berkeley Way West

biostat@berkeley.edu

Explore our Graduate Programs

Biostatistics Graduate Group Co-Chair

Lexin Li, PhD

lexinli@berkeley.edu

Biostatistics Graduate Group Co-Chair

Mark van der Laan, PhD

laan@berkeley.edu

Biostatistics Division Chair

Alan Hubbard

hubbard@berkeley.edu

Senior Program Manager

Lauren M Krupa

lkrupa@berkeley.edu

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