Biostatistics uses data analysis to investigate the cause of disease and injuries, as well as to identify health trends within communities. Students entering the biostatistics concentration should possess a basic knowledge in algebra and introductory statistics. The biostatistics concentration is designed primarily for students with a previous undergraduate degree, particularly in the health sciences, who want to obtain a solid background in quantitative and analytical methods for public health research. The coursework exposes students to methodology typically used to analyze different types of public health data and gives them opportunities to apply these methodologies themselves.<br><br>Faculty in the Department of Biostatistics teach courses and advise students in the biostatistics concentration. The curriculum is designed to enable students to develop competence in very specific biostatistical skills. Students are required to develop basic skills in regression analysis, survival analysis, and epidemiology methods. Each biostatistics MPH student has an opportunity to take public health electives and complete his/her program of study with an internship that includes a special analytical project.<br><br>The University of Florida offers both a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) with a concentration in Biostatistics and a Master of Science (MS) degree in Biostatistics. While both are valuable degrees, the target audiences are different. The MPH degree is designed primarily for students with a previous graduate degree, particularly in the health sciences, who want to obtain more skills in quantitative and analytic methods for public health research. There are no formal mathematics or statistics prerequisites for the MPH degree. Graduates of the MPH program with a concentration in Biostatistics return to their careers with an improved understanding of quantitative methods for public health research. This increased knowledge will both facilitate their own research programs and enhance their ability to critically read the literature in their field.