About the Minor
Data science is emerging as a leading area for job growth over the next decade in the health sector. It is, therefore, imperative to train students to have an understanding both of the underlying dynamics of health and medicine and also skills in how to manage, analyze, interpret big data, and collaborate with higher level data scientists. The Population Health Data Science minor will introduce students to the fundamentals of data science in the health sciences. We envision providing students with an introduction to the basics of how to apply data science to population health questions.
Past and Present Student Testimonials
"I liked the content of this course. I appreciated the discussions related to big data."
"It showed me a side of public health that I have yet to see."
"The course establishes several basic principles in epidemiology and teaches applications of epidemiology to future research careers, which I found very helpful. It incorporates both statistics and epi principles in a way that makes the field seem less daunting and even fun."
"I really enjoyed this class. It was probably one of my favorites this semester."
"Amazing use of functionalities in R for data visualization in a very practical way that will be useful in the future."
Required Courses (18 Credit Hours)
EPID 309: Introduction to Epidemiology (3) or content equivalent courses
BIOS 376: Introduction to Biostatistics (3) or content equivalent courses
EPID/BIOS 450: Health Data Acquisition and Assessment (3)
BIOS/EPID 451: Health Data Management and Visualization (3)
BIOS/EPID 452: Health Data Analysis and Communication Methods (3)
EPID/BIOS453: Health Data Science Practice (3)
Course Sequences
One-year sequence
Fall
EPID 309: Introduction to Epidemiology (3) or content equivalent courses
BIOS 376: Introduction to Biostatistics (3) or content equivalent courses
EPID/BIOS 450: Health Data Acquisition and Assessment (3)
BIOS/EPID 451: Health Data Management and Visualization (3)
Spring
EPID/BIOS 452: Health Data Analysis and Communication Methods (3)
BIOS/EPID 453: Health Data Science Practice (3)
Three-semester sequence
Spring
EPID 309: Introduction to Epidemiology (3) or content equivalent courses
BIOS 376: Introduction to Biostatistics (3) or content equivalent courses
Fall
EPID/BIOS 450: Health Data Acquisition and Assessment (3)
BIOS/EPID 451: Health Data Management and Visualization (3)
Spring
EPID/BIOS 452: Health Data Analysis and Communication Methods (3)
BIOS/EPID 453: Health Data Science Practice (3)
How to Declare the Minor
Admission to the minor requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and completion of college algebra or a higher level MATH course. If you meet this minimum, please send your prospective advisor a brief statement of interest (approximately 300 words) on why you’d like to add the minor to your degree.
Academic Advising
See the academic advising page to determine your academic advisor (determined by the student's campus and last name).
Coordinator, Undergraduate Programs
Melanie Fleck, MPH, CHES
Phone 520.626.3205 | Fax 520.626.3206
Want More Information? Contact
Dr. Kacey Ernst kernst@email.arizona.edu
Dr. Paul Hsu pchhsu@email.arizona.edu
