DRAFT
August 25, 2004
Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
The Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics is dedicated to proper application of research methods,
development of new methodology, and training of students in the areas of bioinformatics, biostatistics, and
decision science. The overall research focus of the department is on collaboration with investigators in the
health sciences. The major aim of the educational program is to provide students with sufficient training so
that they can successfully enter the workplace with adequate statistical, decision-making, and analytical skills.
These skills are developed through a rigorous curriculum, effective teaching, and practical experience.
Graduates will find roles in academic research settings, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies,
and healthcare organizations.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY: The education of students in all program areas of the department is based
on rigorous training in core knowledge areas, development of practical analytical skills, and exposure to actual
research problems in a realistic environment. The three topic areas covered by the department provide ample
opportunities for integration of ideas from each discipline and for identifying new application areas.
Biostatistics is defined by the Association of Schools of Public Health as “the science that applies statistical
theory and principles to research in the fields of medicine, environmental science, biology, public health, and
related fields”. The course work in biostatistics and practical research experiences are designed to develop
students’ knowledge of statistical methods and to employ this knowledge in the drive to advance quality
research in community health, clinical medicine, and population studies.
Bioinformatics is an emerging field that combines elements of molecular biology (e.g., genomics, proteomics,
metabolomics), health information systems, computer engineering, biostatistics, mathematics, and other fields.
Efforts in this area are necessarily collaborative and naturally involve investigators from other departments.
The department focus will be on development and application of statistical methodology as it relates to
bioinformatics, on teaching these methods, and on collaboration with applied research groups that utilize
bioinformatics methods.
Decision science is a discipline that involves skills required to evaluate the utility of medical, public health, and
health policy interventions. Emphasis is on quantitative decision analysis methods. The methodology
provides insight into the benefits of medical practices and can give information about the risks and benefits of
community-based participatory research, for example. Students in the decision science concentration
examine and create methods to help patients, health care workers, and the public to make better, more
informed health care decisions.
RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY: There are two components of research activity in the department: collaborative
and methodological. Collaborative research is meant to provide investigators from most other disciplines with
contributions of a statistical nature that enable their research efforts to be most effective. Typically, this
involves experimental design and statistical analysis. Faculty and staff in the department represent a wide
scope of statistical knowledge and skills that are applicable in various contexts while also promoting
development of specialized knowledge in individual application areas. This approach gives rise to long-term
research relationships that serve to enhance the quality of research for both individuals and the institution.
Methodological research topics generally emanate from collaborations that involve new approaches to
statistical and decision analysis problems. Faculty typically will develop research interest areas and programs
that allow doctoral students to participate.
SERVICE PHILOSOPHY: The department provides service to the research community primarily through
consulting activity. This is implemented through the department’s Statistical Consulting Center. This
approach promotes opportunities for student experiences and for placement of students in practicum-level
activities, as well as for initiating collaborative activities.