P97
MSc Biostatistics
理學碩士(生物統計學)

Year of Entry

2024

Application Deadline

Local & Non-local : 30 Apr 2024

Mode of Study

混合

Mode of Funding

Non-government-funded

Indicative Intake Target

30

Minimum No. of Credits Required

30

Class Schedule

Weekday evenings and/or Saturdays

Normal Study Period

1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time / combined mode)

Maximum Study Period

2.5 year (full-time)
5 years (part-time / combined mode)

Mode of Processing

Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Review of applications will start before the deadline and continue until all places are filled. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.
Programme Leader
Prof Jinfeng Xu
PhD (Columbia University)
+852 3442 4183
General Enquiries
+852 3442 6789
Outline
Programme Aims and Objectives

The Master of Science in Biostatistics 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.  

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.

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; and 
  • Apply the One Health approach along with biostatistical and scientific skills to address public health issues and/or undertake research.
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 79 (Internet-based test) in 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 of 450 in the Chinese mainland’s College English Test Band 6 (CET-6); 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 start of the University's application period.

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

 

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 programmein full-time, part-time or combined study mode may be invited to submit applications for the fellowships.

Course Description

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 Course (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

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