Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics - Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics

The PhD Program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics draws on the core disciplines of biostatistics and epidemiology to support students in developing the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to assume positions of leadership with the ultimate goal of advancing the public’s health. Students accepted into the PhD program will master the rigorous scientific and analytic methods necessary to be at the forefront of efforts to not only describe, but effectively evaluate and improve the public’s health. The Department operates within a strong interdisciplinary framework involving faculty within the department, the school of medicine, and across the entire university, as well as leaders in health care institutions and health oriented organizations and agencies throughout the wider community. All incoming PhD students take a required 36-credit core curriculum, which includes a 24-credit common core, 12-credit concentration core, and 6-credits of electives from one of five areas of concentration: Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics, Global Health Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Prevention Science, Health Care Organizations, Outcomes and Policy, and Modern Biostatistics (see descriptions below). On completion of all core requirements, students take a qualifying examination that leads to advancement to candidacy. When ready to embark upon the Doctoral dissertation, the student must choose a research advisor to have the major responsibility for facilitating, guiding, and advising the student in his or her research. Curriculum The Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics comprises the following components: Basic Core Curriculum (24 credits) or Statistical Alternative Core (24 credits) Specialization/Concentration Core Curriculum (12 credits) Concentration Approved Electives (9 credits) Seminar Requirements (501 & 502, 503, 504, or 505) Passing the Qualifying Exam Portfolio Presentation Dissertation (18 credits) Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Students enrolled in the Genetic Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Concentration will learn to design and conduct epidemiological studies investigating the genetic and environmental influences on disease. Genetic epidemiology combines genetics, epidemiology, and biostatistics. Bioinformatics involves the use of sophisticated statistical and data mining tools to analyze genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic data. Special study designs and statistical methods are required to explore genetic influences in epidemiologic studies, and this field continues to evolve as molecular and computational technology evolves. Furthermore, studies have moved beyond associations strictly between trait and DNA sequence, and now incorporate gene-environment interaction, RNA/gene expression, copy number variants, epigenetics, and proteomics. Thus, today’s genetic epidemiologists must be able to take multidisciplinary approaches to the evaluation of genetics in disease pathogenesis. Researchers in many diverse areas are interested in incorporating genetics into their studies of disease pathogenesis, so this field is in demand. Currently the area is moving towards the development of predictive models incorporating genetic polymorphisms, so this field is central to translational and personalized medicine. After finishing training in this concentration, students may become collaborators with other basic and clinical scientists who are interested in examining genetic effects on their respective phenotypes, may become methodologists and develop new statistical/bioinformatic approaches appropriate for obtaining genetic information, or may lead their own research related to the genetics of specific complex traits.