MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOSTATISTICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY (MSBE)

Transcription

1 MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOSTATISTICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY (MSBE) Four years ago, Dow University of Health Sciences has taken the lead in starting a Master of Science Program in Biostatistics and Epidemiology (MSBE) in any public sector institution to develop the human resources in these disciplines as there is an acute shortage of specialists in these field. After successful completion of three years of MSBE, we are about to start the fourth batch of this program. The master degree of Science in Biostatistics and Epidemiology is an internationally recognized qualification and graduates of this program are in high demand in industries, academics and government institutions, particularly in pharmaceutical companies. They can work as drug regulators, medical investigators and public health researchers to work, individually or as a member of policy groups in Pakistan and abroad. We are pleased to write that all the candidates of first batch of MSBE program have been appointed as academicians and researchers in reputable institutes before defending their theses. Biostatistics is the application of statistical science to research in health-related fields including medicine, biology, public health, nursing and pharmacy. It is critical for the correct designing of medical trials for scientific approach regarding decision making. Epidemiology is the study of diseases in populations. The three main aims of epidemiology are: to describe disease patterns in human populations; to identify the causes of diseases (also known as etiology); and to provide data, essential for the management, evaluation and planning of services for the prevention, control and treatment of various diseases. Pakistan has a dearth of Biostatisticians and Epidemiologists. Their role in the research environment is well recognized and widely accepted. Epidemiologists play a fundamental role in preventive medicine and public health by providing an understanding of the determinants and distribution of diseases and the application of information in the prevention of disease. They study the frequency and distribution of diseases within human populations and various environments. In epidemiological study, the investigators try to determine factors associated with the effect. Therefore, epidemiologists try to compare groups of people who are alike except for the risk factor under evaluation. Biostatisticians develop and apply statistical methods to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine, epidemiology, and public health. The role of the biostatistician is an important one, especially when it comes to designing studies and analyzing data from research problems. Biostatisticians help in formulating the scientific questions to be answered, determine appropriate sampling techniques, coordinate data collection procedures and conduct statistical analyses to answer those scientific questions. Biostatisticians also play vital role in the preparation of research material for publication. The Master degree in Biostatistics and Epidemiology is designed to provide advanced training in biostatistical and epidemiological research, comprehensive health planning, program evaluation, management of health and other human services system, thus enabling them to attain the required skills for employment as biostatisticians and epidemiologists. Graduates with background of health sciences, who complete Master s degree in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, will gain more sophisticated statistical skills, while students with statistical or mathematical background, undertaking this Master program will further enhance their understanding of health issues and the application of statistics. The main objective of this program is to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to design and conduct epidemiological studies for etiology, disease pattern of control and the prevention of the diseases.

2 The candidates need to have genuine commitment to the field of epidemiology or public health and should devote his/her career to any one of these areas. This training is most appropriate for individuals interested in academic medicine. The Master program is not appropriate for a candidate who eventually seeshimself/herself working in the private practice setting. More over the candidates should also have some background in mathematics and statistics. They should have good analytic and quantitative skills and be able to communicate ideas verbally and in writing. Besides didactic courses, all students are required to complete a thesis and internship. 1. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM To develop graduates who can understand the principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and are able to apply these principles to Public Health issues. To teach basic skills needed to critique the medical literature by providing a fundamental understanding of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. To provide experience in designing, conducting epidemiological studies and to create / enhance the ability to manage, analyze and interpret data. To develop interventions against the problems identified in research studies. To train individuals to conduct research and develop skills for publications. 2. PROGRAM STRUCTURE It is a two-year program comprising of 4-semesters. All the course work is scheduled during the four semesters. The internship requirement should be completed during summer session. The last semester is assigned for research and thesis writing with the least load of coursework. 3. NUMBER OF SEATS Total number of seats is fifteen (15). 4. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Students of this program must complete: i) 14 required credit courses and 2 zero credit courses. ii) 6-8 weeks of internship program (certificate required). iii) Research thesis. 5. PROGRAM TIMINGS Daily 3:00pm - 6:00pm (except Fridays, Sundays & Holidays).

3 6. REQUIREMENTS OF THESIS The thesis is a project which addresses well-defined objectives and/or hypotheses. This may be either: A) A small project involving study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, or B) The analysis and interpretation (relevant to objectives) of either previously collected data or data from a discrete subsection of an ongoing project. 7. TIME LINE FOR STUDENTS A student must complete his/her required 16 credit and non-credit courses in two years. The internship program should be completed by the end of the second year. Ideally, the thesis has to be completed by the end of the second year of registration. However, the thesis must be completed by the end of the third year; else the case will be decided by the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) of the university. 8. PROGRESS REQUIREMENT The Board of Advanced Study and Research (BASR) will require a student to withdraw from the program if he/she is not making adequate progress. This progress includes: following the time line recommended above, regularly meeting with the thesis supervisor and maintaining a continued effort on the thesis research as well as maintaining at least a C average in course work. 9. FACULTY 9.1 FULL TIME: (1) Prof. Nazeer Khan (2) Dr. NighatNisar (3) Prof. KhaqanHasan (4) Ms. Mehwish Hussain (5) Mr. Syed Arif Ali (6) Mr. AbdurRasheed (7) Mr. Syed Adnan Ali (8) Dr. M. TahirRizwan Khan (9) Mr. Waqas Ahmed Farooqui (10) Ms. Syeda Fatima Zehra 9.2 PART TIME: Dr. Wahid Usmani 9.3 VISITING FACULTY: (1) From other institutions, like: Karachi University, KMDC, Aga Khan University

4 10. CURRICULUM 10.1 SEMESTER 1 (October 2011 February 2012) (14 credits hours, 3 credit hours for first 4 units & 2 for MSBE5) 1) MSBE 701 Fundamentals of Epidemiology 2) MSBE 702 Biostatistics I 3) MSBE 703 Principles of Public Health and Administration of Public Health 4) MSBE 704 Understanding, writing and reviewing scientific papers 5) MSBE 705 Applied Mathematics 10.2 SEMESTER 2 (March July 2012) (14 credits hours, 3 credit hours for first 4 units & 2 for MSBE 710) 1) MSBE 706 Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases 2) MSBE 707 Biostatistics II 3) MSBE 708 Advance Epidemiology 4) MSBE 709 Epidemiology of non-communicable and newly emerging diseases 5) MSBE 710 Technical Writing for Professionals 6) Preparation of Protocol 10.3 MINI-SEMESTER 1 (August September 2012) (4 credit hours) RA1: Submission and defense of protocol 6-8 weeks internship 10.4 SEMESTER 4 (March 2013 July 2013) (3 credit hours for MSBE 13 & 6 for MSBE 715) 1) MSBE714 Advanced Biostatistics & Multivariate Modeling in Epidemiology 2) MSBE 715 Thesis Work 3) MSBE 02. Seminar (Zero Credit) 10.6 MINI-SEMESTER 2 (August 2013 September 2013) Thesis Defense Total 46 credit hours

5 11.0 GRADING SYSTEM: Grading is absolute, no relative grading. Percentages are converted to GPA and their respective grades are as Follows: Percentages Grade GPA % A+ 4.0 (Distinction) 87 90% A % A % B % B % B % C % C 2.0 < 63% F 0 The marks distribution in each course will be as follows: Internal evaluation 20% Midterm test 30% Semester Examination 50% The student will have to secure at least C grade to pass the course. A maximum of three C s will be allowed in the entire program. The candidate will have to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 throughout the course. If a student gets less than 2.5 CGPA at any stage, he/she will be put in probation and will have to get an approval by the competent authority to continue his/her course. The students will be out of probation when he/she has CGPA greater than ADMISSION PROCEDURE S ELECTION BOARD: The Selection Board of the Masters of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics will be as follows: CHAIRMAN: Prof. M. Umar Farooq, Pro Vice Chancellor DUHS and Principal SMC, DUHS. MEMBERS: 1. Prof. ZeenatAyoob, Registrar, DUHS 2. Prof. Junaid Ashraf, Principal Dow Medical College, DUHS 3. Prof. Nazeer Khan, Director Research, DUHS. 4. Dr. NighatNisar, Vice Principal & HOD Community Medicine, SMC, DUHS

6 5. Dr. Syed Muhammad Idrees, Director Admissions, DUHS 6. Dr. Sheikh Nadeem, Deputy Registrar, DUHS. 7. Coordinator, Corresponding Program The decision of the selection board shall be final. If considered necessary, the selection board may investigate any document, and can call any candidate for that purpose. The selection board shall have discretion to refuse admission to any candidate, who indulges in violence, uses abusive language, becomes insolent or misbehaves with the members of the selection board. The selection board shall not consider any candidate for admission if he or she is found to be involved in any form of unfair means/ fraud at any stage of admission/ selection. In case of any controversy or query, the decision of the selection board shall be final APPLICATION FORM: Original application form is attached in the prospectus. Photostat copy of the form will not be acceptable. All eligible candidates will have to appear in the entry test ENTRANCE TEST: All eligible candidates will have to appear in the entrance test to be held on: 16 th Aug at Dow Medical College DUHS. The entrance test is valid only for the current session 2011, for admission. The admit card for entrance test will be dispatched via courier. In case the candidate does not receive the admit card by 12th Aug. 2011, he/she should send the or contact admission cell DUHS. Final merit list will be displayed on the website, based purely on merit. Interview for selection, verification of documents and submission of fee will be held on 03 rd Sept Sample test is available on DUHS website. Note: Please keep visiting DUHS website frequently for any notice or change. ENTRANCE TEST FEE: Each application for admission shall be accompanied by a non-refundable entrance test fee of Rs.1000/= in the form of a pay-order in favor of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ENTRANCE TEST: Applicants for admission in this program must have sixteen (16) years of education with the last degree in any discipline related to Health or Mathematical sciences from an accredited institution, approved by Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. The fields include

7 medicine, biology, dentistry, nursing, veterinary sciences, psychology, biostatistics, statistics, mathematics and allied health sciences. SUBJECTS FOR ENTRANCE TEST PREPARATION: The entrance test will be based on the knowledge of Community Medicine, Statistics, Mathematics, Epidemiology, English and Logical reasoning. The test distribution will be Statistics 20%, Mathematics 10%, Epidemiology 20%, Community Medicine 20%, English 20% and Logical Reasoning 10%. FINAL MERIT LIST: The Candidates will be selected on the basis of entrance test marks only DOCUMENTS REQUIRED WITH THE APPLICATION FORM: Two attested photocopies of the following documents must be attached with the application form: - Bachelor s degree, - Master s degree (if applicable) - Valid PMDC Certificate/ relevant field council (if applicable) - House job certificate (if applicable) - Certificate of Matriculation exam/ O level/equivalent. - Candidate is Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) - Six recent passport size photographs of the candidate (3 attested from front and three from back) - A certificate of affidavit/declaration, with statement to abide by the rules and regulations of admission - GRE/TOEFL/ ILETS certificate if applicable in case of foreign candidates - Pay order of Rs. 1000/- in favor of Dow University of Health Sciences as entrance test fee, which is non-refundable. - Copy of Graduate Assessment Test (GAT - General) Result Card NOTE: Original application form along with one set of photocopies of all the required documents must be attached in an office file. Whereas pay order, CNIC copies and photographs must be stapled to the front cover of the file - Applicants in Government service must apply through proper channel. 13 RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Attendance will be taken separately during theory classes, practical and subject training separately % attendance is mandatory to be eligible for examination. 3. Leave applications are not only necessary for the purpose of attendance but also for information about health and whereabouts of the student. 4. Any student who is absent for seven days or more from the lectures, demonstrations or subject training without prior permission will not be able to continue the course.

8 5. Leave applications must be submitted three days prior to the date of availing leave, except for emergency leave. 6. The student must display the identity card, issued by the DUHS, while in the premises of the Institute/affiliated hospitals. 14. DOW UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CONDUCT RULES (Applicable to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of the University and its constituent or affiliated institutions) These rules are applicable to all students who are admitted to the Dow University of Health Sciences, and include undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental students, nurses and all those being trained in medical and allied health sciences. 1. No student or group of students shall form society / association / organization. 2. No outsider will be invited by the students to address any meeting at the University or its constituent college / institute / school, hospital etc. whether academic, social, religious or political (without prior written permission of the authorities). Decision of authorities will be final and takenon case to case basis. 3. Students are not allowed to paste any poster, pamphlet or fix banners on the wall. Graffiti on walls (wall chalking) of the premises of the University or its constituent college / institute / school, hospital etc.is they, academic, social, religious or political, are also not allowed. 4. During teaching hours and / or Clinical posting, students are prohibited to play or roam around in the premises. 5. No student or group of students shall arrange any program, picnic, musical concert sports activities etc., on their own, without prior written permission from the authorities. 6. No student or group of students is allowed to collect money for any purpose whatsoever. 7. University / College Identity Card, (ID) should be displayed, at all times, when the students are in the premises of the University or its constituent college / institute / School / Hospital etc. Faculty members and security staff are authorized to check I.D cards at any time. 8. If any student wants to publish his/her scientific or literary article, he/she must get the draft approved, by the authorities. They are also required to submit the copy of the final article / paper (to be published) for record purposes to the University. 9. Students will not be allowed to address the media or the national press on any subject. 10. Students are forbidden to address higher authorities directly. Any communication intended for higher authorities, needs to be routed through proper channel (Vice Chancellor / Principal / Medical Superintendent / Director) 11. Smoking, pan chewing, littering, spitting and other activities, prejudicial to the conduct are prohibited in the classroom, laboratories, seminar / tutorial rooms, library during and after college hours and wards during clinical postings. 12. Unless specifically permitted, no student or group of students are allowed to enter administrative and department offices / telephone exchange, or teaching areas like laboratory, lecture hall of the institution or department and / or use office equipment(s) /

9 machinery, like telephone, computer, printer, typewriter, overhead projector, slide projector or multimedia etc. 13. No student is allowed to bring a weapon and/or ammunition, liable to cause injury, or any other harmful item, inside the premises. 14. No student or group of students will threaten, stop, harass, forcibly disallow or evict another bonafide student or group of students. 15. Misbehavior with faculty members and other staff members of the University and / or its constituent college / institute / school, hospital etc., by a student or a group of students is completely prohibited. Such misdemeanors would attract penalties as severe as expulsion and rustication. 16. Willful, damage to either public or personal property in the University and / or its constituent college / institute / school etc., by a student or a group of students, is completely prohibited. Such misdemeanors would be liable to penalties as severe as expulsion and rustication. 17. Use of loud speakers / amplifiers, megaphone is prohibited in the premises of the University. 18. No student will be allowed to park his / her car inside the premises of the college / University unless specifically allowed by the competent authority. (A) SUSPENSION A student shall be liable for suspension up to six months if he/she commits any of the following act:- 1. Misbehaves or quarrels with any teacher or member of the staff. 2. Is generally disobedient. 3. Spreads false rumors. 4. Uses unbecoming, indecent or filthy language. 5. Incites other students to violence. 6. Is inappropriately dressed. 7. Shouts, abuses, quarrels or fights with fellow students. 8. Raises slogans to hurt others, politically or religiously. 9. Interferes with the administration, including the mode or schedule of the examination. 10. Indulges in acts of immorality. 11. Indulges in any kind of political activity including displaying posters or play cards within the College. 12. Remains absent continuously for more than 4 weeks without prior permission. (B) RUSTICATION A student may be rusticated for a period of 3 years due to any of the following acts:- 1. Taking forceful possession, making unauthorized use or damaging any property. 2. Involving himself in any agitation activity. 3. Found indulging in activities, prejudicial and detrimental to the good order of the College. 4. Adopting unfair means during examination.

10 5. Disobeying an order of suspension passed against him. 6. Any other act, which the principal or the disciplinary committee considers inappropriate. 7. Anybody who does not submit the prescribed undertaking about non-involvement in political activities. NOTE:-Any student suspended or rusticated for the reasons mentioned above shall not be allowed to appear in the examinations. (C) EXPLUSIONA student is liable to be expelled from the college if he/she commits any of the following act and this order shall be final and irrevocable. If he/she. 1. Is found in possession of fire arms or lethal weapons or Narcotic drugs in the college premises, hostels, examination halls, teaching hospitals or any other area as specified by the university administration. 2. Remains absent for more than three months without permission of the Principal / Director, his/her admission shall be cancelled by the disciplinary committee of that college institute. STUDENT S DISCIPLINARY RULES & PROCEDURE Any student indulging in conduct contrary to the above mentioned rules shall be dealt with in accordance with the Dow University of Health Sciences Conduct Rules and the procedure mentioned below: 1. Each constituent college will have a Disciplinary Committee to be notified with the approval of the Vice Chancellor to deal with all the disciplinary matters. 2. The Principal on suemotto or on any complaint, may initiate action against any student of the college and refer the case to the Disciplinary Committee of the college for appropriate recommendation. 3. Before taking any action, the Principal shall serve a show cause notice to the student indicating briefly the charges against him. The accused student will have to give a written reply within seven days. He/She will be afforded a chance for personal hearing after which the Principal of the constituent college is empowered to suspend, rusticate or expel the student. 4. The student to whom the Principal has suspended, rusticated or expelled from the college may make appeal to the Vice Chancellor against the decision of the Principal within 30 days. 5. Any student whose name appears in the F.I.R. pertaining to any non-boilable offence as specified in the criminal procedure code (Cr.P.C.) will be suspended. During the pendency of the case he/she will not be allowed classes or take up any examination. 15. ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION All candidates must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible for the examination. 1. Student must acquire 80% attendance separately in theory and practical sessions.

11 2. If any disciplinary action is taken against any student, he will not be eligible to appear in the examination. 3. Student who does not appear in the midterm examination will not be allowed to appear in the final examination. 4. Students who fail in the final examination of semester will be required to relate the examination during the mini-semester. 5. Students are required to complete assignments during summer semester under the supervision of the faculty member to cover their attendance deficiencies. 16. LIBRARY 1. The library will remain open on every working day during the prescribed hours and the students will have to follow the rules of the library. 2. Books and journals will be issued to the students only after deposit of their identity cards with the librarian, which will be returned after the books are returned. 3. Students are not permitted to take the books outside the library. 4. The book card placed (in the end of the book), must be delivered to the librarian after signature, before the book is taken away while at the time of returning the book, check that the card is promptly replaced with return entries. 5. Any student, who loses, defaces or otherwise seriously damages any book is liable to replace the same or pay the cost of replacement and if the book is one of the set or series, the cost of the whole set or series will be charged from the concerned student. 6. Any texts book, reference book, encyclopedia, dictionary or any magazine will not be issued to any student. 7. A suggestion book is available in the library, where in suggestions can be made by the students. 8. Students can have books from the lending library which will be organized by the students themselves under the guidance of university administration. 17. IDENTITY CARD After admission every student will be issued a non-transferable identity card having a photo duly signed by the Director, this card must be kept by the student within the premises. Duplicate cards will not be issued except under special circumstances and after payment of Rs. 50 only. 18. DECLARATION/UNDERTAKING AFFIDAVIT ON STAMP PAPER To be produced once provisional admission is offered I, S/o, D/o is selected for the Master in Epidemiology and Biostatistics / Institute of Health Management, DUHS, Karachi.

12 1. I will abide by rules and regulation of this Institute enforced OR. as amended from time to time. 2. The result of the Evaluation Test will be fully acceptable to me and I will not dispute it in any case. 3. I will not ask for any change of subject at any stage of the course. I will not object to any change in the period of the course. 4. I will not be involved in any sort of political, linguistic and sectarian activities neither I will organize OR become member of any political student party / organization or any student grouping. 5. I will not dispute / challenge the Diploma/Degree issued by the Masters in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, DUHS, Karachi in the court of law and neither liaison with any Newspaper. 6. I will not object if the security deposit is forfeited due to termination from the course on disciplinary grounds OR discontinuation due to personal reasons. 7. Damage to the installations/items can be recovered from the security deposit. 8. In case of expulsion / termination from courses on basis of gross misconduct / violence / terrorism I will not challenge the decision in any court of law in Pakistan. 9. I accept that continuous absence for more than 15 days without prior information may lead to termination from the course by the authorities concerned. 10. I will abide by all the rules and regulations of the course, student conduct and library etc. as mentioned in the prospectus. 11. I undertake that if I am found involved in any unlawful activity or providing incorrect information at any stage, the institute shall have the right to cancel any admission without assigning any reason. Signature of Father/Guardian Signature of Student N.I.C. No. Student of Witness Session N.I.C. No. Date: 19. RULES FOR THE PAYMENT OF FEE: Fee is non-refundable. Fee for the first and second semesters, will have to be paid at the time of admission. Fee for the third and fourth semesters will have to be paid within one week after the start of third semester. In case of default late fee will be charged as per following rules: - 8th Day to 30th day 2.5% of the tuition fee - Second month 5.0% of the tuition fee - Third month 7.5% of the tuition fee - Fourth month 10% of the tuition fee (Note: After four months seat may be cancelled) Enrollment fee has to be paid after the admission. Fee may be increased by 10% every year.

13 The fee and rules regulations may be revised by the university at any time during the course of the study. FEE SCALE FOR BIOSTATISTICS & EPIDEMIOLOGY A. Admission Fee Rs.25,000/- B. Tuition Fee Rs.120,000/- Per year and Rs.60,000/- Per Semester Total fee to be paid at the time of admission Rs.145,000/- For repeaters, fee will be charged according to the University rules and regulations 20. SCHEDULE FOR ADMISSION TO FIRST SEMESTER OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOSTATISTIC AND EPIDEMIOLOGY SESSION 2011 S.No. SCHEDULE DATE 1 Availability of prospectus and application forms 16 th Aug Last date for submitting applications 29 th Aug ENTRY TEST 07 th Sep Display of the Initial Merit List 10 th Sep Interview for selection, verification of original documentsand submission of fee 17 th Sep Orientation day 24 th Sep Start of semester 26 th Sep For any information regarding program, please contact via research@duhs.edu.pk