Epidemiology & Public Health

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Epidemiologists will frequently specialize in the source of diseases and the different factors that contribute to population health problems. Meanwhile, biostatisticians characteristically specialize in the effects of health issues, for example, the implications of genetics, the environment or biological factors. Statistics enlightens many decisions in epidemiologic study design and statistical tools are used widely to study the association between risk factors and health outcomes. The disciplines of epidemiology and biostatistics are essential to achieving the goals of public health, and combining these two disciplines in a single department creates synergies for both training and research. Epidemiologists study the dissemination and determinants of health and disease in populations.  Biostatisticians improve and apply statistical theory, methods and procedures to public health research data and the planning, implementation and evaluation of public health programs.