Biostatisticians apply statistics to health related fields. They consult with other researchers to design studies for answering health questions.
They may study how serious a certain disease is, or how effective a treatment method or medicine is. They may provide information about the progress of a disease, and estimate the cost and quality of the health care given to patients. Often, they analyse the information collected by their research, and use this to design health policies and help insurance companies to make good business decisions. A career in biostatistics is challenging and helps to solve the health problems in our country.
In more detail, biostatisticians design surveys to assess health issues, plan or direct research studies related to the life sciences, determine project plans, timelines or technical objectives for the statistical aspects of biological research studies, write program code to analyse data using statistical analysis software, develop or implement data analysis algorithms and apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects. Work is assigned to biostatistical assistants or programmers. The clinical trials or experiments need to be carefully monitored to ensure that they adhere to established procedures or to verify the quality of the data collected. Data is also collected through surveys or experimentation. Tables and graphs are prepared to present the clinical data or results, and data bases of biological data designed or maintained.
They prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences, and need to keep up-to-date with current literature, attend meetings and conferences, and consult with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences and social sciences. Many teach graduate or continuing education courses n biostatistics. They may be required to analyse archival data such as birth, death and disease records during their research.
To summarise, biostatisticians use their knowledge of research methods to help plan, choose and carry out the study needed to answer the questions at hand. They analyse the results of the study and may also use their expertise to design new ways of doing research.
Schooling & School Subjects
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
Additional:
Degree: Biostatisticians study a BSc degree related to Biostatistics. They usually study at university, as not many universities of technology offer qualifications related to biostatistics. Biostatisticians working in the field are BSc graduates who have majored in Applied Maths, Maths or Statistics. The BSc degree qualifies graduates for entry-level positions and positions doing basic research work at universities and research organisations. UFS offers a course in Biostatistics.
Postgraduate: After completing a BSc degree related to biostatistics, advanced post-graduate study is required before graduates can apply for lecturing jobs at universities or positions in research and administration.
South African Medical Research Council
Francie van Zijl Drive
Parowvallei, Cape
PO Box 19070
7505 Tygerberg, South Africa
Tel: (021) 938-0911
www.mrc.ac.za
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