MSc Biostatistics 理學碩士(生物統計學)

Why Biostatistics?

In US, biostatisticians play an important role in supporting the development of medicinal products for regulatory approval; their role has advanced to a full and equal partner with basic, clinical and regulatory scientists
The rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical industry in China (expected to be the largest in the world in 10 years) will lead to an increased demand for biostatisticians
An increase in employment opportunities in public health for biostatisticians due to the COVID-19 pandemic
A severe shortage of trained biostatisticians in the market

Programme Features

Comprehensive training in the principles and applications of statistics in biological science and public health
Students will be trained based on the One Health approach
Training in probability and statistical theory with a research focus

Programme Aims

The programme aims to train the next generation of biostatisticians through an innovative curriculum and equip them with the necessary analytical, leadership and communication skills to meet the challenges of a data-intense era. It will help foster the development of novel statistical theory and the application of state-of-the-art data analytical solutions for problems in public health, veterinary epidemiology and the biomedical sciences.

Comprehensive training in the principles and applications of statistics in biological science and public health will be provided. Students are trained in Biostatistics using One Health approach to enhance their knowledge, abilities and professional capabilities to solve the interdisciplinary health problems posed by emerging medical and public health issues.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOS)

Upon successful completion of this Programme, students should be able to:

Acquire a thorough understanding of the fundamental statistical techniques and models needed for analyzing biomedical data.
Acquire the ability to carry out appropriate statistical analyses on real biomedical data sets using statistical software.
Advise on the design of biomedical studies (in terms of sample size, power, models and feasibility)
Advise on novel solutions for problems associated with the application of biostatistical methods to problems in public health.
Communicate effectively and work closely with people from diverse educational, professional backgrounds and experience.
Apply the One Health approach along with biostatistical and scientific skills to address public health issues and/or undertake research.

Programme Curriculum

Students are required to complete 30 credit units for graduation.

Core Courses ( 21 credit units)

Introduction to Biostatistics in One Health
Principles of One Health and Epidemiology
Probability
Statistical Computing
Advanced Methods in Biostatistics
Statistical Inference
Communication and Project Study

Elective Courses (9 credit units)

Time Series Analysis
Spatial Data Analysis
Statistical Methods for Categorical Data Analysis
Introduction to Statistical Learning
Computational Biology, Experimental Design and Data Science#

# tentative

The offering of elective courses is subject to change without prior notice

Study Mode and Study Period

Combined mode

	Full-time Mode	Part-time Mode
Normal Study Period	1 year	2 years
Maximum Study Period	2.5 years	5 years

Career Prospect

Graduates can pursue careers, for example, in biomedical and public health studies in government, biotechnology companies and national/international research institutions. The programme also provides the necessary academic preparation for those who wish to pursue PhD-level training in biostatistics at a later date.

Admission Requirements

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements and the following programme entrance requirements:

Possess a recognized undergraduate degree that includes courses in the mathematical or biomedical sciences. Semester courses in calculus, linear/matrix algebra and introductory statistics are highly encouraged.
Applicants who might not have solid training in mathematics and statistics during their undergraduate studies would also be considered. Prior coursework in linear algebra, calculus and statistics is highly desirable.

Applicants satisfying the admission requirements who have relevant working experience will be considered favourably.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is NOT English should also fulfill the following minimum English proficiency requirement:

a score of 59 (revised paper-delivered test) or 79 (internet- based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)@#; or
an overall band score of 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) @; or
a score 450 in the new College English Test (CET-6) of Chinese mainland or a pass in the old CET-6 test; or
other equivalent qualifications.

@TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years. Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the two years preceding the commencement of the University’s application period.

#Applicants are required to arrange for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send their TOEFL results directly to the University. The TOEFL institution code for CityU is 3401.

In view of the recent development of COVID-19, ‘TOEFL iBT Home Edition’ and ‘IELTS Indicator’, as indicated below, are accepted as equivalent qualifications for the fulfillment of the University’s minimum English proficiency requirement for admission to TPg programmes with immediate effect for 2022/23 cohort:

TOEFL iBT Home Edition: a score of 79; or
IELTS Indicator: an overall band score of 6.5

Application Procedure

For details of application procedures, please click here.

Fellowships Scheme

Fellowship awards are available for local students admitted to this programme under the Fellowships Scheme supported by the HKSAR Government. This programme in the priority area of “Research” is one of the targeted programmes listed under the Fellowships Scheme with 3 fellowship awards. Local students admitted to the programme in full-time, part-time or combined study mode may be invited to submit applications for the fellowships.

Contact us

biosgo@cityu.edu.hk