biostatistics?

[nymeria]

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My school just started offering a new major in biostatistics and I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on whether or not it would be worth the extra work to add this as a double major. Right now I am majoring in biology, for the biostatistics major I wouldn't have to take any additional bio classes, pretty much just math. These are the requirements for the major.

MATH2101 Linear Algebra
MATH2103 Calculus III
MATH2113 Applied Statistics
MATH3103 Probability
BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
BIOL2123 Genetics
BIOL2129 Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL2133 Science Communication for the Scientist
CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II
MATH3105 Advanced Statistics*
ITECH3--- SAS Programming*

Any opinions?

 

[MadameLULU]

My school just started offering a new major in biostatistics and I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on whether or not it would be worth the extra work to add this as a double major. Right now I am majoring in biology, for the biostatistics major I wouldn't have to take any additional bio classes, pretty much just math. These are the requirements for the major.

MATH2101 Linear Algebra
MATH2103 Calculus III
MATH2113 Applied Statistics
MATH3103 Probability
BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
BIOL2123 Genetics
BIOL2129 Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL2133 Science Communication for the Scientist
CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II
MATH3105 Advanced Statistics*
ITECH3--- SAS Programming*

Any opinions?

I'm surprised your school isn't making you take Linear Regression. 👎
Anyhow, what do you want to do with biostats? Are you plan on doing clinical research later on? I would add it for that reason...
Also, SAS rocks...

 

[dr.z]

Knowing statistics will definetely help you. I haven't had one, and I wish I had taken it. I am not sure though if it is worth doing double major, but if you have time do it.

 

[Premedchick84]

If you have the time, go for it! I'm a Bio/Chem major, sounds pretty reasonable to me 👍

 

[nymeria]

I'm surprised your school isn't making you take Linear Regression. 👎
Anyhow, what do you want to do with biostats? Are you plan on doing clinical research later on? I would add it for that reason...
Also, SAS rocks...

Well, I'm not sure about doing clinical research but that is something I'd be interested in. Mostly I wanted to take it because I've always been a little weak in math and I thought that alot of those classes might help me out with that. Obviously I'm not going to make a final decision until I see how calc I and calc II go so I don't end up realizing too late that the math classes, especially calc III, will be too difficult for me.

 

[getunconcsious]

It would probably be excessively burdensome...statistics sucked. And since it's also a science, it doesn't help you look more well-rounded. Probably more trouble than its worth.

 

[Fermata]

It would probably be excessively burdensome...statistics sucked. And since it's also a science, it doesn't help you look more well-rounded. Probably more trouble than its worth.

Are you kidding?

PhD's in statistics get PAID.

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

i am taking biostats next semester..as bio majors we haveto..it better be all ti-89 integrated or something bc i am a number-loser

 

[no-see-um]

Are you kidding?

PhD's in statistics get PAID.

Right. I have a family member going for a Ph.D in stats theory. Scientists and doctors are ALWAYS looking for stats consultants for a wide range of studies. Also, you could get an academic appointment somewhere and do your own research, and you're set.

 

[scooter31]

I'm getting a masters in Biostats, and I'll be honest, if you dont really really need it or really like math, leave it be. It's a beast, and if you have other heavy classes on your plate, you may not have the time or desire to put in the time to really get through the classes. If you really have any desire to pursue further studies in the discipline for whatever reason (clinical research, epi, etc), do yourself a favor and take it during summer school or during your glide year, and keep it at a couple of classes. That being said, start w/ linear algebra and see how you feel about it, and maybe have it as a minor, if thats a possibility. If I were in your boat, and just had to have it, thats how I'd do it. Just my 2 cents (Canadian)...

The money aspect with the degree wont come until you do graduate work, so majoring in it during undergrad probably wont get you too far, if the financial positives are part of your decision in going for the biostats. 👍

 

[scooter31]

i am taking biostats next semester..as bio majors we haveto..it better be all ti-89 integrated or something bc i am a number-loser

Ha. You wish!

Though saying that, it may be different in undergrad. If not, prepare for the calculus and SPSS/SAS smacketh downeth on thine ass.... 👍

Good luck either way.

 

[blueperson]

I'd be wary of the biostats program. From a person who took Biostatistics courses, there aren't any listed on your list. I agree with the other comment. Linear regression is like Day One of your first biostatistics course, with all other topics above and beyond that.

 

[uptoolate]

I'm finishing a doctoral degree in EPI and have taken beaucoup biostats classes. Linear regression was usually covered in classes with other names, although more complicated aspects of regression got their own course titles. Majoring in biostats will not make math classes more welcoming for you- in fact, I feel like biostats takes calc and linear algebra and make them bark and do tricks for you. If you are interested in research, there are plenty of ooportunities along the medical training route to get exposure to the subject without taking on a second major/degree.

 

[Sigma]

My school just started offering a new major in biostatistics and I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on whether or not it would be worth the extra work to add this as a double major. Right now I am majoring in biology, for the biostatistics major I wouldn't have to take any additional bio classes, pretty much just math. These are the requirements for the major.

MATH2101 Linear Algebra
MATH2103 Calculus III
MATH2113 Applied Statistics
MATH3103 Probability
BIOL1105 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
BIOL1106 Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
BIOL2123 Genetics
BIOL2129 Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL2133 Science Communication for the Scientist
CHEM1101 Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM1102 Principles of Chemistry II
MATH3105 Advanced Statistics*
ITECH3--- SAS Programming*

Any opinions?

I've got a BA in stats and an MS in biostats. I think in the end, it depends on what you want to do with the extra work.

The way you have phrased your question, it may as well be "My school now has a major in colo-cranial examination and extraction, should I double major?" 😀

 

[Sigma]

Well, I'm not sure about doing clinical research but that is something I'd be interested in. Mostly I wanted to take it because I've always been a little weak in math and I thought that alot of those classes might help me out with that. Obviously I'm not going to make a final decision until I see how calc I and calc II go so I don't end up realizing too late that the math classes, especially calc III, will be too difficult for me.

OK, I didn't see this.
These don't really sound like good reasons to lump on 10 extra classes, and I have two thoughts.

1) If you may want to do research later, you'll have opportunities to pick up what you need. The route you're describing sounds like it will give you the needed background to understand the derivations for parameter estimation. As a researcher, you're only going to need to know: what statistical tests are available, when to use them, and what the output means. Again, stuff you can pick up when you need it. Most biostat departments will have a class for "laymen" designed for this very thing. Considering your above stated goals, a class like this sounds more along the lines of what you're looking for.

2) I don't believe being weak in math will hinder you in med school. From what I understand, there is very little (if any) math involved.