Abstract:
|
Today's biostatistician must possess a broad range of both technical and soft skills in order to succeed in a collaborative environment. Unfortunately, many students go through an entire program without ever working with real or messy data, and can lack confidence to identify and implement appropriate analytic strategies. Furthermore, the vast amount of technical content to be covered in statistical coursework often leaves little time for skills such as workflow and communication. The biostatistics program at the Colorado School of Public Health has addressed these gaps through an integrative 1st and 2nd year didactic program. Students are prepared for practical collaboration through a mix of special topics covered in a series of Statistical Consulting courses, followed by an in-depth Applied Analysis course during which students select analytic strategies and get training in effective communication. We will provide an overview of our curriculum, and discuss the topics and activities used to foster the education of a modern-day biostatistician.
|