This program encourages applicants with undergraduate degrees in quantitative biological sciences or other related fields. Undergraduate preparation should have included at least one year of general biology, one semester of biochemistry, and one semester of applied statistics. The focus of this training program is: one year of applied biostatistics, epidemiological and genetic research methods; and one year of biochemistry, molecular biology, and laboratory methods. This program encourages applicants with undergraduate degrees in quantitative biological sciences or other related fields.

This degree is structured for students to:

• Understand and apply statistical methods for the design of biomedical research and analysis of biomedical research data;
• Gain a thorough understanding of epidemiological study designs, and statistical analysis of data arising from these studies, with particular emphasis on research questions related to molecular/genetic data;
• Use and interpret results from specialized computer software for the management and statistical analysis of research data;
• Learn to participate on a research team in the research study design, data coordination and management, and statistical analysis and reporting of study results, with particular emphasis on molecular/genetic research.

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers as basic and laboratory scientists working on molecular and genetic research in biotechnology industries, government agencies, research institutions, hospitals, and research settings in healthcare systems. The program also prepares students for the Screening Examination requirement for the PhD program in Molecular Epidemiology.