After successfully completing the required coursework (six core courses and two elective courses) in fall and winter terms, students will complete a four-month practicum placement in the summer term.
The objectives of the practicum are to give students the opportunity (i) to develop the analytical, technical and interpersonal skills required for a biostatistician to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary health research environment, and (ii) to apply the biostatistics research and analytic skills that they have learned in coursework to multi-disciplinary projects within health research groups in universities, hospitals, government agencies, industries and other related settings. Through the practicum placements, the experience that students gain in consulting, communication, report writing and team work will allow them to develop their consulting expertise.
There are two forms of practicum:
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Application Practicum - This is a practicum placement with an academic or industry-based research group pertaining to the biostatistics applications. Practicum activities will vary according to student interest and the nature of available projects. Practica will include opportunities for data management, statistical programming, statistical analysis, attending group meetings, report writing, and presentation of results.
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Methodology Practicum - This is a research project pertaining to some aspect of the biostatistics methodological research work of their supervisor. Practicum activities will pertain to some aspect of biostatistics methodological research affiliated with the work of the supervisor, a core faculty member in a biostatistics area.