Academic Information Manual (AIM), 2011-2012

The Academic Information Manual, AIM for short, is a comprehensive overview of the Biostatistics programs.  It contains information about policies and procedures that is beneficial to our students.  For a quick view of degree programs, you may use the links provided below.

University Policy on Prohibited Harassment and Discrimination

• The Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH)
  The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program is designed for students who have strong quantitative abilities and an interest in applications of math, statistics, and computer programming to health-related issues. The program prepares students for entry-level professional statistical and programming careers, and provides a firm academic base for subsequent studies in biostatistics, medicine and other fields.
• The Master of Public Health (MPH)
  The Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to prepare individuals for positions that require broad knowledge of public health as well as specialized knowledge of biostatistics.
• The Master of Science (MS)
  The Master of Science (MS) program is designed to provide research-oriented training in the theory and methodology of biostatistics and its application to the solution of problems in the health sciences.
• The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
  The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program is designed to prepare students for positions of leadership in applied research settings related to human health.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  The Doctor of Philosophy program is designed to provide advanced, research-oriented training in theory and methodology to prepare individuals for academic careers and for research positions in government and private industry.

Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program is designed for students who have strong quantitative abilities and an interest in applications of math, statistics, and computer programming to health-related issues. The program prepares students for entry-level professional statistical and programming careers, and provides a firm academic base for subsequent studies in biostatistics, medicine and other fields.

Admission Requirements

1. Applications for the fall of the junior year are accepted from current sophomores.
2. Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply.
3. Applicant should have at least 60 hours of credit and most of UNC-CH's General College requirements completed at the time of enrollment (fall of junior year).
4. Applicant must complete MATH 231, MATH 232, and MATH 233 before admission and complete BIOL 101 and BIOL 101L, and (COMP 110 or COMP 116) before enrollment.

Required Courses (junior and senior years)

1. BIOL 201 (or 202)
2. BIOS 540H/500H, 511, 545, 550, 664, 668 or 662, and 691
3. SPH Coursework: ENVR 600, EPI 600, HBHE 600
   
4. MATH 381, 521 or 528, and 547
   

A Typical BSPH program*

*Assumes completion of 60 credits during the freshman and sophomore years.

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MPH

Objectives

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to prepare individuals for positions that require broad knowledge of public health as well as specialized knowledge of biostatistics.

Admission Requirements

1. An acceptable bachelor's degree with mathematics training at least including multivariable calculus and linear algebra.
2. At least 12 months of acceptable full time, relevant post baccalaureate work experience in public health. (An acceptable prior advanced degree such as an MD degree can be substituted for this work experience).

Required Courses

1. BIOS 511, BIOS 550, BIOS 662, BIOS 663 and BIOS 664.
2. Two 3 credit BIOS course numbered above 664.
3. BIOS 841, at least 2 credit hours of BIOS 842 and 2 credit hours of BIOS 843.
4. At least one course in each of the public health core.

A "Typical" MPH program (The program may vary by the student's background, area of specialization, and interests):

* The basic written examinations are usually taken during Year 2 Spring

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Objectives

The Master of Science (MS) program is designed to provide research-oriented training in the theory and methodology of biostatistics and its application to the solution of problems in the health sciences.

Admission Requirements

An acceptable bachelor's degree with mathematics training at least including multivariable calculus and linear algebra.

Required Courses

1. BIOS 511, BIOS 660, BIOS 661, BIOS 662, BIOS 663, BIOS 667, BIOS 680 and BIOS 691.
2. Electives: Six credit hours of BIOS courses numbered 664 and above.
3. BIOS 841 and two credit hours of BIOS 843.
4. Supporting program: EPID 600, plus 3 credit hours of course work in areas of application.

A "Typical" MS program (The program may vary by the student's background, area of specialization, and interests):

* Basic written examinations are usually taken early in the Fall Semester of the second year of the MS program.

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DrPH

Objectives

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program is designed to prepare students for positions of leadership in applied research settings related to human health.

Admission Requirements

An appropriate prior bachelor's or master's degree (in biostatistics, statistics, or a closely related field) with prior mathematics training at least including advanced calculus and linear algebra. And, at least 12 months of acceptable full-time, relevant post-baccalaureate work experience in public health, with an option to substitute an acceptable prior advanced degree (such as an MD degree) for the experience.

Required Courses

1. BIOS 758, BIOS 762, and either BIOS 763 or BIOS 767.
2. Electives: Nine credit hours of 700 level BIOS courses.
3. At least 18 credit hours of non-statistical courses relevant to Public Health.
4. BIOS 841, at least 3 credit hours of BIOS 842, and 4 credit hours of BIOS 843.
5. Doctoral Dissertation: BIOS 994.

A "Typical" DrPH program* (The program may vary by the student's background, area of specialization, and interests):

*[Assumes completion of "typical" MPH program plus BIOS 660, BIOS 661, and BIOS 663, or equivalents]

** Basic written examinations are usually taken early in the Fall semester of the second year of the DrPH program.
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PhD

Objectives

The Doctor of Philosophy program is designed to provide advanced, research-oriented training in theory and methodology to prepare individuals for academic careers and for research positions in government and private industry.

Admission Requirements

An appropriate prior bachelor's or master's degree (in biostatistics, statistics, mathematics, or in a closely related field) with prior mathematics training at least including advanced calculus and linear algebra.

Required Courses

1. BIOS 760, BIOS 761, BIOS 762, BIOS 763, BIOS 767 and BIOS 780.
2. Electives: Twelve credit hours of 700 level BIOS courses.
3. Supporting program: Six credit hours (EPID 600 required).
4. BIOS 841, BIOS 850 and BIOS 843 (4 credit hours).
5. Doctoral Dissertation: BIOS 994.

A "Typical" PhD program (Assumes completion of "typical" first year MS program.) The program may vary by the student's background, area of specialization, and interests.

 
* Denotes selection of course to satisfy supporting program requirements.
** Basic written examinations are usually taken early in the Fall Semester of the second year of the PhD program. 

To enhance your UNC experience, the department offers numerous ways for students to finance their education, get involved in volunteer service activities and participate in various student organizations. 

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