Program Overview

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Biostatistics Degree

The Biostatistics degree from the University of Waterloo is a unique program in Canada that equips students with the skills to make sense of statistical information in the healthcare sector. This program is designed to address the shortage of professionals with the right skills to analyze health data and interpret results.

Overview

In this program, students take the same core courses as Statistics students, with the addition of specialized upper-year courses designed specifically for Biostatistics students. The program also offers paid work experience through co-op, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Courses

The Biostatistics program includes a range of courses that provide students with a solid foundation in statistics, mathematics, and computer science. Some of the courses include:

• MATH 135 – Algebra for Honours Mathematics
• MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
• CS 115 – Introduction to Computer Science 1
• HLTH 101 – Introduction to Health 1
• STAT 230 – Probability
• STAT 337 – Introduction to Biostatistics
• STAT 437 – Statistical Methods for Life History Analysis
• STAT 436 – Introduction to the Analysis of Spatial Data in Health Research
• STAT 430 – Experimental Design

Co-op Program

The co-op program provides students with 24 months of paid, on-the-job experience with research and health-related organizations. This experience helps students to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, and graduate with valuable experience.

Sample Co-op Job Titles

Some sample co-op job titles include:

• Research Analyst
• Cancer Genome Data Analyst
• Medical Research Assistant

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Biostatistics program include:

• Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, and any 4U English
• A recommended course in Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science
• Admission averages are individual selection from the mid-80s

How to Apply

To apply to the Biostatistics program, students must apply to the Mathematics program and choose Biostatistics as their major. There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission.

Related Programs

Related programs include:

• Statistics
• Data Science

Student Life

The University of Waterloo offers a range of student life activities, including:

• MathSoc, a student-run organization that provides a wide range of clubs, services, and social and academic events
• Hack the North, a hack-a-thon that brings together students from around the world
• Women in Mathematics, a community that encourages and advocates for women in mathematics
• Women in Computer Science, a community that promotes gender equity for students interested in computer science

Academics

The University of Waterloo is committed to academic excellence, with a range of programs and research areas available to students. The university is ranked among the top universities in Canada and has a strong reputation for innovation and research.

Applying

The application process for the Biostatistics program involves submitting an application to the Mathematics program and choosing Biostatistics as the major. Students must also complete supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for the Biostatistics program are not specified, but students can expect to pay fees that are comparable to other undergraduate programs at the University of Waterloo.

Research Areas

The Biostatistics program at the University of Waterloo is focused on the application of statistical methods to health-related fields. Research areas include:

• Designing clinical experiments
• Analyzing health data
• Interpreting results

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Biostatistics program can expect to find career opportunities in a range of fields, including:

• Research and development
• Healthcare
• Government
• Private industry

Some sample career titles include:

• Bioinformatician
• Biostatistician
• Senior Biostatistician
• Senior Research Officer
• Senior Policy Developer

Overall, the Biostatistics program at the University of Waterloo provides students with a unique combination of statistical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for a range of career opportunities in the healthcare sector.