Health Data Science (MS)

The Master of Science (MS) Degree in Health Data Science (MiHDaS) is a two-year program in which students learn to apply data science, biostatistics, machine learning, and epidemiological thinking in clinical research settings.

Program Description

Data science plays a fundamental role in health sciences research: Learning from data is at the core of how we make advances in health research. Data science methods and tools are needed to deal with the expanding role of precision medicine, the widespread analyses of electronic health records, and the growing number of large and complex datasets.

The program is intended for:

• Quantitative science learners interested in studying data science with a focus on biomedical applications.
• Numerically able biomedical scientists interested in applying data science methods in clinical, epidemiological and biological sciences.

We also offer a one-year certificate program (CiHDaS), with condensed coursework and absent teaching and hands on capstone project experience, best suited for those already working in the biomedical or pharmaceutical industries.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or the equivalent from an accredited institution in a quantitative or biomedical science, or related field, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
• In addition to meeting the same admission requirements domestic students must meet, international applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Personal History Statement

Learning Outcomes

To complete the program, scholars must satisfy program objectives, which are to:

• Acquire a mastery of a broad set of data science research methods and in the techniques needed for the application of data science across biomedicine applications and research.
• Gain understanding of key issues that are particularly pertinent to the health sciences and evidence-based medicine, such as bias, confounding, interpretability, and causality.
• Plan and implement one or more health-related data science research projects.
• Write and submit a publication-quality research paper and a detailed methodology review.
• Present research results at a national or international meeting.
• Create a portfolio of data science skills and application areas.

Degree Requirements

• All core courses and required activities taken and passed with a grade C or higher.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (equivalent to a B average).
• Capstone project
• Educational apprenticeship (teaching assistant for one course)
• Unit requirement: 36 units

Core Courses

Plan of Study Grid Year 1

• Summer:
  • DATASCI 202: Opportunities and challenges of complex biomedical data (3 units)
  • DATASCI 213: Programming for Health Data Science in R (2 units)
• Fall:
  • BIOSTAT 200: Biostatistical Methods in Clinical Research I (3 units)
  • DATASCI 214: Programming for Health Data Science in R II (3 units)
  • DATASCI 217: Introduction to Python and Data Science Tools (1-2 units)
  • DATASCI 220: Data Science Program Seminar I (1 unit)
  • EPIDEMIOL 203: Epidemiologic Methods (3 units)
• Winter:
  • BIOSTAT 208: Biostatistical Methods II (3 units)
  • DATASCI 216: Machine Learning in R for the Biomedical Sciences (3 units)
  • DATASCI 220: Data Science Program Seminar I (1 unit)
  • DATASCI 223: Applied Data Science with Python (2 units)
• Spring:
  • BIOSTAT 209: Biostatistical Methods III (3 units)
  • DATASCI 220: Data Science Program Seminar I (1 unit)
  • DATASCI 224: Understanding Machine Learning: From Theory to Applications (3 units)
  • EPIDEMIOL 201: Responsible Conduct of Research (0.5 units)
  • HEALTH DATA SCIENCE ELECTIVE 1 (2-3 units)

Year 2

• Fall:
  • DATASCI 221: Data Science Program Seminar II (1 unit)
  • DATASCI 222: Data Science Capstone Project (8 units)
  • DATASCI 300: Data Science Educational Practice 2 (2 units)
• Winter:
  • DATASCI 221: Data Science Program Seminar II (1 unit)
  • DATASCI 222: Data Science Capstone Project (8 units)
• Spring:
  • DATASCI 221: Data Science Program Seminar II (1 unit)
  • DATASCI 222: Data Science Capstone Project (8 units)

Health Data Science Elective

Health Data Science (HDS) Elective selected from approved course list below (can be any quarter of the program). At least one must be completed.

• DATASCI 226: Bayesian Methods and Gaussian Processes (2-3 units)
• EPIDEMIOL 217: Molecular & Genetics Epidemiology I (2 units)

Capstone Project

Students will begin developing a longitudinal capstone project as part of their requirements for the MiHDaS degree. The required capstone project encompasses four components:

1. Publication in a scientific journal
   • Option 1: Submission of a first-authored publication in a scientific journal that is data science, general science or medical applications-based (this does not need to be accepted, but does need to be approved by the student’s Graduate Committee); or
   • Option 2: Submission of a non-first authored publication in a scientific journal where the student is generally expected to be within the first three authors; and a background and technical methodology report;
2. Master's committee oral defense;
3. Give an oral or poster presentation at a scientific conference; and
4. Compile a code and analysis portfolio for marketing the student’s career skills.

Educational Apprenticeship

Students in the program will be expected to act as an educational apprentice (EA) for one course during their second year. This experience typically involves leading a weekly small-group discussion section of 10 to 15 students, holding office hours for students and grading homework assignments and projects. This requirement is designed to provide students with a valuable teaching experience without having a significant impact on the time needed for their capstone project work. In all cases, students will have taken during their first year the courses that they are asked to EA. Students will enroll in Data Science Educational Practice (DATASCI 300)

University of California San Francisco

---

Overview:

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is a renowned public research university located in San Francisco, California. It is a leading institution in the fields of health sciences, biomedical research, and patient care. UCSF is known for its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and its dedication to improving human health.

---

Services Offered:

UCSF offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Calendar:

Provides information on academic schedules and important dates.

Career Center:

Assists students with career exploration, job searching, and professional development.

Financial Aid:

Offers financial assistance to eligible students through scholarships, grants, and loans.

General Catalog:

Contains detailed information about academic programs, policies, and resources.

Library:

Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

Registrar:

Handles student records, registration, and graduation.

Student Success Guide:

Offers resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

World-Class Faculty:

UCSF boasts a faculty of renowned researchers, clinicians, and educators who are leaders in their fields.

Cutting-Edge Research:

The university is at the forefront of biomedical research, with groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various areas of health sciences.

Exceptional Patient Care:

UCSF is home to a world-class medical center that provides comprehensive and compassionate care to patients.

Vibrant Campus Community:

UCSF offers a diverse and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Location in San Francisco:

The university's location in San Francisco provides students with access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities.

---

Academic Programs:

UCSF offers a wide range of academic programs across its various schools, including:

School of Dentistry:

Offers programs in dentistry, oral health, and dental research.

School of Medicine:

Provides education and training in medicine, biomedical research, and public health.

School of Pharmacy:

Offers programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery.

School of Nursing:

Provides education and training in nursing, nursing research, and healthcare leadership.

Graduate Division:

Offers graduate programs in various disciplines, including biomedical sciences, public health, and bioengineering.

Global Health Sciences:

Focuses on global health issues and provides training and research opportunities in this field.

---

Other: