Educational Resources
Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics (SIBS) Courses

June 8 - July 17, 2009; Application Deadline March 6, 2009

The Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics (SIBS), sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, gives undergraduate students majoring in the quantitative sciences the opportunity to explore a career in biostatistics and bioinformatics emphasizing applications in both basic and clinical research. Using mathematical science they will learn how to develop new methods for experimental design and analyze the resulting data.

Over a 6-week summer school session participants will be engaged in two 3-credit courses for a total of 6 credits that can transfer back to participants' undergraduate institutions. The first course will be an Introduction to Concepts in Biostatistics that will provide an overview of fundamental statistical concepts. The second course, a practical working course entitled Practicum in Basic Biostatistics will give students exposure to analyzing data from basic science experiments, clinical trials and observational studies.

What is biostatistics?

Biostatistics is a fundamental scientific component of all biomedical and public health research in which principles derived from mathematics, statistics, and biology are applied to biological questions. Biostatisticians work closely with experts from other fields in research teams. Together they seek to answer serious and important questions that affect human health and well-being. For example, biostatisticians

• analyze data from clinical trials of new prescription medications,
• develop new methods to predict toxicity levels of new chemicals,
• evaluate the cost effectiveness of government programs (e.g., Medicare), and
• determine if genes are involved in diseases such as asthma.

The demand for biostatisticians TODAY is greater than ever before, and it is expected to INCREASE in the near future.

Participants in the six-week program will:

• learn the principles of applied biostatistics from recognized experts in the field,
• meet practicing biostatisticians, epidemiologists and statistical geneticists to learn about their work,
• gain experience working with actual data collected in internationally recognized studies that have been funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute,
• learn about opportunities for graduate study and additional training, and
• explore an ever growing field that is critically important in studies designed to improve the world we live in.

Who is eligible?

Undergraduates majoring in mathematics, science or other quantitatively oriented areas of study are eligible. Applicants must be American citizens or permanent residents of the United States. The UW SIBS program is open to 20 students.

Financial support

There are no fees or tuition costs associated with participation in the Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics. Housing, meals and some extracurricular activities are covered. Participants will earn college credits and have access to university computing systems, libraries and other facilities.