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Epidemiology and Biostatistics

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Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Location

Location

  • Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health
  • 1020 Pine Avenue West
  • Montreal, QC H3A 1A2
  • Canada

About Epidemiology and Biostatistics

About Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The Department offers master's and doctoral programs in both Epidemiology and Biostatistics, as well as a Master's of Science in Public Health. The methods learned in these fields are used not only in the study of diseases, but also in health services research, program planning and evaluation, and policy development. Our faculty members are at the forefront of their research domains and include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, clinician scientists, medical informatics specialists, health economists, medical sociologists, and health geographers. Research in the Department spans all clinical specialties: pharmacoepidemiology; social epidemiology; infectious diseases; population and public health; environmental and occupational health; clinical and public health informatics; biostatistics; health care delivery and organization; and many cross-disciplinary activities. Faculty members may have funding available for students through their research grants. We provide rich research environments at five university-affiliated hospitals, public health agencies, and university research centres. Graduates pursue careers in academia, clinical settings, government agencies, and industry.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 17, 2013) (disclaimer)

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Faculty

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Faculty

Chair
G. Paradis
Emeritus Professors
M.R. Becklake; M.B.B.Ch., M.D.(Witw.), F.R.C.P.
A. Lippman; B.A.(C'nell), Ph.D.(McG.)
J.C. McDonald; M.B.B.S., M.D.(Lond.), M.Sc.(Harv.), M.R.C.P.(Lond.), F.R.C.P.(C)
I.B. Pless; B.A., M.D.(W. Ont.)
S.H. Shapiro; B.S.(Bucknell), M.S., Ph.D.(Stan.)
G. Thériault; M.D.(Laval), M.I.H., Dr.P.H.(Harv.)
S. Wood-Dauphinee; B.Sc.(Phys.Ther.), Dip.Ed., M.Sc.(A.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Professors Post-Retirement
A. Lippman; B.A.(C'nell), Ph.D.(McG.)
I.B. Pless; B.A., M.D.(W. Ont.)
G. Thériault; M.D.(Laval), M.I.H., Dr.P.H.(Harv.)
S. Wood-Dauphinee; B.Sc.(Phys.Ther.), Dip.Ed., M.Sc.(A.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Professors
M. Abrahamowicz; Ph.D.(Cracow) (James ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Professor)
J.F. Boivin; M.D.(Laval), S.M., Sc.D.(Harv.)
J. Brophy; B.Eng.(McG.), M.Eng., M.D.(McM.), Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appt. with Medicine) (on leave Jan. to June 2014)
E.L.F. Franco; M.P.H., Dr.P.H.(Chapel Hill) (joint appt. with Oncology) (James ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Professor)
R. Fuhrer; B.A.(CUNY (Brooklyn Coll.)), M.Sc., Ph.D.(Calif.-San Francisco)
T.W. Gyorkos; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Bishop’s), Ph.D.(McG.)
J.A. Hanley; B.Sc., M.Sc.(N.U.I.), Ph.D.(Wat.)
C. Infante-Rivard; M.D.(Montr.), M.P.H.(Calif.-LA), Ph.D.(McG.), F.R.C.P.(C) (James ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Professor)
L. Joseph; M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.)
J. Kaufman; B.A.(Johns Hop.), Ph.D.(Mich.) (Canada Research Chair)
M.S. Kramer; B.A.(Chic.), M.D.(Yale) (joint appt. with Pediatrics) (James ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Professor)
J. McCusker; M.D.,C.M.(McG.), M.P.H., Ph.D.(Col.)
R. Menzies; M.D.,C.M., M.Sc.(McG.) (joint appt. with Medicine)
O.S. Miettinen; M.D.(Helsinki), M.P.H., M.S., Ph.D.(Minn.)
G. Paradis; M.D.(Montr.), M.Sc.(McG.)
R.W. Platt; M.Sc.(Manit.), Ph.D.(Wash.) (joint. appt. with Pediatrics) (on leave Sept. 2013 to Aug. 2014)
S. Suissa; M.Sc.(McG.), Ph.D.(Flor.) (joint appt. with Medicine) (James ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Professor)
R. Tamblyn; M.Sc.(McM.), Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appt. with Medicine) (James ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Professor)
C. Wolfson; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appt. with Medicine)
Associate Professors
A. Adrien; M.D., M.Sc.(McG.)
R. Allard; B.A.(Montr.), M.D.,C.M., M.Sc.(McG.)
O. Basso; Ph.D.(Milan) (joint appt. with Obstetrics and Gynecology)
D. Buckeridge; M.D.(Qu.), M.Sc.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Stan.) (Canada Research Chair) (on leave May to Oct. 2013)
A. Ciampi; M.Sc., Ph.D.(Qu.), Ph.D.(Rome) (on leave Jan. to Dec. 2014)
N. Dendukuri; M.Sc.(IIT), Ph.D.(McG.) (PT) (joint appt. with Medicine)
C. Greenwood; B.Sc.(McG.), M.Sc.(Wat.), Ph.D.(Tor.) (joint appt. with Oncology)
P. Héroux; B.Sc.(Laval), M.Sc., Ph.D.(I.N.R.S.)
A. Labbe; M.Sc.(Montr.), Ph.D.(Wat.) (joint appt. with Psychiatry)
E.E.M. Moodie; B.A.(Winn.), M.Phil.(Camb.), Ph.D.(Wash.) (on leave Aug. 2013 to July 2014)
M. Pai; M.B.B.S.(Stanley Med. Coll.), M.D.(Christian Medical Coll.), Ph.D.(Calif., Berk.)
J. Pickering; B.A.(Tor.), M.D., M.Sc.(McG.) (joint appt. with Medicine)
A. Quesnel-Vallée; B.A., M.Sc.(Montr.), M.A., Ph.D.(Duke) (joint appt. with Sociology)
M. Rossignol; B.Sc., M.D.(Sher.), M.Sc.(McG.)
E. Strumpf; B.A.(Smith), Ph.D.(Harv.) (joint appt. with Economics) (on leave Jan. to Dec. 2014)
T. Tannenbaum; B.A.(Brown), M.D.(Calg.), M.P.H.(Mass.), I.M.H.L.(McG.)
P. Tousignant; B.A., M.D.(Laval), M.Sc.(McG.), F.R.C.P.(C) (PT)
Assistant Professors
J. Baumgartner; B.A.(Wisc.), M.Sc.(Harv.), Ph.D.(Wisc.) (joint appt. with Institute of Health and Social Policy)
A. Benedetti; B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appt. with Medicine)
J. Cox; B.Sc., B.A., M.D.(Dal.), M.Sc.(McG), C.C.F.P., F.R.C.P.(C) (joint appt. with Family Medicine)
S. Harper; B.A.(Westminster Coll.), M.S.P.H.(S. Carolina), Ph.D.(Mich.)
S. Martin; M.D.(Tor.), M.Sc.(McG.) (PT)
A. Nandi; B.S.(College of New Jersey), M.P.H.(Col.), Ph.D.(Johns Hop.) (joint appt. with Institute for Health and Social Policy)
L. Patry; B.Sc., M.D.(Laval), F.R.C.P.(C) (PT)
O.S. Saarela; M.Soc.Sc, Ph.D.(Helsinki)
G. Tan; D.Phil.(Oxf.) (PT)
Associate Members
Biomedical Ethics Unit: J. Kimmelman, N. King
Dentistry: P. Allison, J. Feine
Dietetics and Human Nutrition: K. Gray-Donald
Family Medicine: A. Andermann, J. Haggerty, E. Robinson
Geography: N. Ross
Medicine: J. Afilalo, A. Barkun, M. Behr, S. Bernatsky, J. Bourbeau, P. Brassard, A. Clarke, K. Dasgupta, M. Eisenberg, P. Ernst, K. Filion, M. Goldberg, C. Greenaway, S. Kahn, M. Klein, A. Marelli, N. Mayo, N. Pant Pai, L. Pilote, E. Rahme, B. Richards, K. Schwartzman, M. Sewitch, I. Shrier, V. Tagalakis, G. Thanassoulis
Ob/Gyn: H. Abenhaim, R. Gagnon
Oncology: V. Dumeaux
Pathology: B. Case
Pediatrics: M. Ben Shoshan, G. Dougherty, P. Fontela, B. Foster, C. Quach-Thanh, M. Zappitelli
Physical and Occupational Therapy: S. Ahmed
Psychiatry: E. Latimer, A. Malla, N. Schmitz, B. Thombs
Sociology: S. Clark
Surgery: D. Deckelbaum
Lecturers
J.P. Courteau, J.P. Gauvin, C. Paquette, W. Wood
Adjunct Professors
Asociación Civil Selva Amazónica Peru: M. Casapia
Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH: D. Bartels
Caro Research: J. Caro
Direction régionale de la santé publique: M. Baillargeon, K. Dehaghani, G. Denis, A. Kossowski, R. Lessard, R. Massé, S. Palmieri, S. Perron, M. Roy
Harvard Univ.: J. Brownstein
Independent: I. Arnold, J. Lemke, M. Schweigert, L. Scott
INSPQ: E. Lo, F. Richer, P. Robillard, D. Roy, S. Stock
Montreal Chest Hospital Centre: P. Rohan
Mount Sinai: M. Baltzan
Shire Inc.: A. Koutsavlis
Stabilis: P. Simon
Univ. de Montréal: J. Siemiatycki
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 17, 2013) (disclaimer)

Epidemiology

Epidemiology

The Department offers master's and doctoral programs in both Epidemiology and Biostatistics, as well as a Master's of Science in Public Health. The methods learned in these fields are used not only in the study of diseases, but also in health services research, program planning and evaluation, and policy development. Our faculty members are at the forefront of their research domains and include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, clinician scientists, medical informatics specialists, health economists, medical sociologists, and health geographers. Research in the Department spans all clinical specialties, pharmaco-epidemiology, social epidemiology, infectious diseases, population and public health, environmental and occupational health, clinical and public health informatics, biostatistics, health care delivery and organization, and many cross-disciplinary activities. Faculty members may have funding available for students through their research grants. We provide rich research environments at five university-affiliated hospitals, public health agencies, and university research centres. Graduates pursue careers in academia, clinical settings, government agencies, and industry.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Epidemiology (Thesis) (48 credits)

Applicants to the M.Sc. program should hold a bachelor’s degree in the natural and quantitative sciences (e.g., microbiology, computer science, statistics, economics, geography) or social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, anthropology), or hold a degree in one of the health professional sciences (e.g., medicine, nursing, social work, nutrition). Applicants must have an interest in health research, along with strong conceptual, analytic, and quantitative skills (differential and integral calculus) at the undergraduate level.

The program leading to a master’s degree is designed to provide training in both theory and practice in the selected discipline. Courses require intellectual and academic rigour, and the program provides students with an opportunity to synthesize the training in the form of a thesis. Students will study the foundations and principles of epidemiology and applied biostatistics, in order to design, conduct, and analyze clinical, population-based, environmental, pharmaco-epidemiological, policy, and methodological health-related research. Graduates of the program often go on to do doctoral work or become research associates in public, private, and academic settings. ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ graduates are known for methodological and quantitative rigour, and quantitative analytic independence. While their core training is in methods, rather than specific substantive areas, students learn about substantive areas in the context of their research and through elective courses.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Public Health (Non-Thesis) (60 credits)
The mission of the M.Sc.P.H. is to train outstanding public health professionals and future leaders by offering a rigorous academic program in methods, research, and practice. This program may be of interest for students from the natural and quantitative sciences (e.g., microbiology, computer science, statistics, economics, geography), social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, anthropology), or the health professions (e.g., medicine, nursing, social work, nutrition). Students will study the foundations and principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, as applied to public health research and practice, in order to design, conduct, and analyze clinical, population-based, environmental, policy, and methodological public health-related research. Graduates of the program will serve as public health practitioners, research professionals, and educators, and will possess the competencies and professionalism to carry out broad public health functions in local, provincial, national, and international settings. In exceptional circumstances, the ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ Committee may take professional experience into account for mid-career or returning/re-entry applicants. The Master's of Public Health program will include a three-month practicum after the first year, which will provide the student with the opportunity to use knowledge and skills acquired in the academic program in a public health practice or research setting.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Public Health (Non-Thesis) — Environment (60 credits)
A number of departments and faculties throughout ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ University have joined with the ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ School of Environment (MSE) to provide an Environment Option as part of a variety of existing graduate degrees. The graduate option in Environment provides students with an appreciation for the role of science in informed decision-making in the environmental sector, and its influence on political, socio-economic, and ethical judgments. The option also provides a forum whereby graduate students bring their disciplinary perspectives together and enrich each other's learning through structured courses, formal seminars, and informal discussions and networking. Students who have been admitted through their home department or faculty may apply for admission to the option. Option requirements are consistent across academic units. The option is coordinated by the MSE, in partnership with participating academic units.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Epidemiology

This program may be of interest to students from the natural and quantitative sciences (e.g., microbiology, computer science, statistics, economics, geography), social sciences (e.g., sociology, psychology, anthropology), or the health professions (e.g., medicine, nursing, social work, nutrition). Applicants must have an interest in health research, along with strong conceptual, analytic, and quantitative skills (differential and integral calculus) at the undergraduate level.

The Ph.D. program prepares students with the advanced epidemiological research skills needed to undertake original contributions to new knowledge related to the determinants of health and disease, prevention, prognosis, treatment, and outcomes. The program is generally completed in four to five years. Graduates will be prepared to engage in scientific collaboration, and communicate results to other scientists and diverse audiences. They will go on to careers in public health, health planning, and quality monitoring in local, regional, federal, and international health authorities, statistical and technology assessment agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, and in clinical and academic research organizations. ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ graduates are known for their methodological and quantitative rigour and quantitative analytic independence. While their core training is in methods, rather than specific substantive areas, students learn about substantive areas in the context of their research and through elective courses.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 17, 2013) (disclaimer)

Epidemiology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Epidemiology Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

The graduate programs in Epidemiology (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) and Public Health (M.Sc.) require substantial quantitative skills. The Admission Committees for these programs look for documented proof of quantitative proficiency including good grades in college-level differential and integral calculus. Documented proof of proficiency must be provided in all applications. Applicants having completed this requirement at the CEGEP/college level must upload these transcripts with their university transcripts.

  • Candidates who cannot provide documented proof of calculus proficiency are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
  • The GRE is also required of candidates who are health professional graduates from universities outside North America.

Master's in Epidemiology

Applicants to the M.Sc. in Epidemiology programs must hold a bachelor's degree in a related area.

Master's of Public Health

Applicants to the Master's of Public Health programs must hold a bachelor's degree in a related area.

Ph.D.

Applicants to the Ph.D. program who hold a master's in Epidemiology are eligible for admission to the core year. Applicants with other graduate-level degrees or exceptional students without a master's degree are also eligible and will be considered for admission to a preparatory year.

Complete details on the Epidemiology programs are available on our Departmental website at: www.mcgill.ca/epi-biostat-occh/grad/epidemiology/requirements.

Language Requirement

Minimum TOEFL scores required, when applicable, of 100 on the Internet-based test. Minimum score for IELTS: 6.5.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Completed applications, with all supporting documents, must be uploaded directly to the ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ admissions processing system by the application deadline.

Please download required documents from our website: www.mcgill.ca/epi-biostat-occh, then select the Graduate Studies tab to link to the appropriate degree program.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • EBOH Application Checklist – not required for Ph.D.
  • Research Proposal – required for intensive M.Sc. for clinicians
  • Acceptance by a research supervisor – required for intensive M.Sc. for clinicians

For more details and to download the appropriate forms, please consult the website at www.mcgill.ca/epi-biostat-occh/grad/epidemiology/applying.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Dec. 15 Fall: Dec. 15 Fall: Apr. 30
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Sept. 15
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 17, 2013) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Epidemiology (Thesis) (48 credits)

Students will study the foundations and principles of epidemiology and applied biostatistics, in order to design, conduct, and analyze clinical, population-based, environmental, policy, and methodological health-related research. Graduates will be prepared to engage in scientific collaboration, and communicate results to other scientists and diverse audiences.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.); Epidemiology (Thesis) (48 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Public Health (Non-Thesis) (60 credits)

Students will study the foundations and principles of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to public health research and practice, in order to design, conduct, and analyze clinical, population-based, environmental, policy, and methodological public health-related research. The program will include a three-month practicum after the first year.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.); Public Health (Non-Thesis) (60 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Public Health (Non-Thesis) — Environment (60 credits)

Students will study the foundations and principles of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to public health research and practice, in order to design, conduct, and analyze clinical, population-based, environmental, policy, and methodological public health-related research. The program will include a three-month practicum after the first year.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.); Public Health (Non-Thesis) — Environment (60 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Epidemiology

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Epidemiology .

Biostatistics

Biostatistics

Biostatistics involves the development and application of statistical methods to scientific research in areas such as medicine, epidemiology, environmental health, genetics, and ecology. Biostatisticians play key roles in designing studies—from helping to formulate the questions that can be answered by data collection to the decisions on how best to collect the data—and in analyzing the resulting data. They also develop new statistical methods for such data. Students will take courses, and may do research, on topics such as mathematical statistics, statistical methods for epidemiology, generalized linear models, survival analysis, longitudinal data, and clinical trials. The Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health has one of the largest concentrations of Ph.D.-level statisticians in any Canadian Faculty of Medicine.

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Biostatistics (Thesis) (48 credits)
M.Sc. thesis students study a foundational set of courses, and write a thesis on a topic of their choice. Thesis students should have a strong interest in research. These students are well-placed to either continue in a Ph.D. program or to work in academic research in statistics or medicine; they will also have relevant qualifications for the pharmaceutical industry and government.
Master of Science (M.Sc.); Biostatistics (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)
The M.Sc. non-thesis program is designed to expose students to a wide range of topics including statistical methods for epidemiology, generalized linear models, survival analysis, longitudinal data, and clinical trials. Skills in data analysis, statistical consulting, communication, and report writing are emphasized, and students graduate ready to work in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, in government, or in academic medical research.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Biostatistics
Applicants should hold a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics or its equivalent. Mastery of calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, and mathematical statistics is essential. Exposure to data analysis is an asset. Exceptional students without a master’s degree will be considered for admission, starting with a Qualifying year. Ph.D. students typically work on development of statistical methods, and can specialize in statistical methods for epidemiology, generalized linear models, Bayesian methods, survival analysis, longitudinal data, causal inference, and clinical trials. Skills in data analysis, statistical consulting, and report writing are emphasized. Ph.D. graduates typically work as faculty in universities, in research institutes, in government, or in the pharmaceutical industry.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 17, 2013) (disclaimer)

Biostatistics Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Biostatistics Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Biostatistics

Biostatistics

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in mathematics or statistics or its equivalent (an honours degree is preferred, but not required). At least three semesters of calculus; two semesters of linear algebra; at least one, but preferably two semesters of real analysis; and a full-year course/sequence in mathematical statistics preferably at an honours level, e.g., MATH 356/357. Exposure to data analysis is an asset.

M.Sc.: Students admitted into the M.Sc. program will, in general, meet the requirements above.

Ph.D.: Exceptional students without a master's degree but with the above qualifications will be considered for Ph.D. admission starting with a Qualifying year.

Complete details on the Biostatistics programs are available on our Departmental website at: www.mcgill.ca/epi-biostat-occh/grad/biostatistics/requirements.

Language Requirement

Minimum TOEFL scores required, when applicable, of 100 on the Internet-based test. Minimum score for IELTS: 6.5.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Completed applications, with all supporting documents, must be uploaded directly to the ¿´Æ¬ÊÓƵ admissions processing system by the application deadlines.

Please see our website at www.mcgill.ca/epi-biostat-occh/grad/biostatistics/applying for information on required documents as well as the application deadlines.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Dec. 15 Fall: Dec. 15 Fall: April 30
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: Sept. 15
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 17, 2013) (disclaimer)

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Biostatistics (Thesis) (48 credits)

Training in statistical theory and methods, applied data analysis, scientific collaboration, communication, and report writing by coursework and thesis.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.); Biostatistics (Thesis) (48 credits).

Master of Science (M.Sc.); Biostatistics (Non-Thesis) (48 credits)

Training in statistical theory and methods, applied data analysis, scientific collaboration, communication, and report writing by coursework and project.

For more information, see Master of Science (M.Sc.); Biostatistics (Non-Thesis) (48 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Biostatistics

Students will study theoretical and applied statistics and related fields; the program will train them to become independent scientists able to develop and apply statistical methods in medicine and biology and make original contributions to the theoretical and scientific foundations of statistics in these disciplines. Graduates will be prepared to develop new...

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Biostatistics.

Faculty of Medicine—2013-2014 (last updated Jul. 17, 2013) (disclaimer)
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