There are four things to consider when looking for the best biostatistics course: education level, accreditation, faculty qualifications, and prerequisites. Biostatistics courses are available from universities, colleges, and online schools. The level of the course material varies widely, as some may be at the undergraduate or graduate level. When selecting a course, take the time to think about where it will fit within your education plan.
There is a wide range of levels for biostatistics courses. At the university level, the courses at the undergraduate level may be part of a degree in biostatistics, or an option for a math, statistics, or biology degree. At the master’s level, the courses are quite detailed, addressing specific theories and concepts at a very high level. The expectation is that all students have read the course description and are able to complete the work required. At the college level, the basic concepts of biostatistics are introduced, along with the terminology and overview of the applications for this information.
When looking for a biostatistics course, check the accreditation status of the school. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions. Many students find they need to repeat this type of course during the summer at a different school. In this case, it is very important to make sure that the course will be accepted before you register and pay the non-refundable course fee.
Someone who is a verified expert should teach all biostatistics courses. An expert usually has a Ph.D. or at the very least a master’s degree in biostatistics or statistics. Look for publications written by the instructor to gain insight into her area of expertise. When selecting a biostatistics course, it is very important to read both the course description and the recommended prerequisites.
This information is very helpful when deciding if the course is at the proper level of skill to meet your requirements. Prerequisites may include a specific course or an entire degree. Although most schools will allow you to register for a course, regardless of the prerequisites, additional effort is required to learn the material covered in that course.
The best biostatistics course usually has a term project, where students actually apply the lessons learned to a data set, creating different reports and statistics. Although this is a complex subject, statistics is quite an active discipline. Applying the concepts to a data set reinforces the course material and enhances learning.
