Focus is on quantitative skills in deriving new knowledge from populations of people. Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology encompasses the study of genetic and environmental factors that determine the distributions and dynamics of health outcomes in populations. Investigating such outcomes entails using tools from both the field of human genetics and the field of epidemiology. Numerous human disorders appear to result from the joint action of genes and environment, providing the genetic epidemiologist with ample opportunity for making important contributions to the study of human disease. The graduate program in the genetic and molecular epidemiology track focuses on the theory and application of the tools essential to this emerging field.
Primary attention is given to statistical and scientific methodologies.
Students may specialize in developing methodology, in which case additional courses from the biostatistics program would be relevant, or in substantive research, in which case additional courses from the epidemiology program would be relevant. Plentiful research opportunities exist within the program, and ongoing research is discussed during seminar and frequent informal meetings with faculty. An electronic version of the track's handbook provided to all entering students within the track is available. Health services research is conducted in a variety of settings including academic organizations, managed care organizations, hospitals, and government agencies. The Health Services Research graduate track prepares professionals to design sophisticated studies, examine complex policy options using a wide range of quantitative and qualitative analytic techniques, develop and evaluate health policy, manage health systems under constrained resources, and evaluate quality, access to care, and costs.