Biostatistics Courses in India

Biostatistics Courses in India are amongst those courses which are still underdeveloped. This is because the pace of education and research in this sector is at its lowest. Biostatistics is a branch of biology that studies biological phenomena and observations by means of statistical analysis. In Biostatistics, statistics is used in a wide range of  biological fields. It is also called Biometrics or Biometry. Biostatistics is a multi-faceted field involving the application of statistical methods and techniques for the purpose of data collection, data management and data analysis related to living organisms and biological systems. A Biostatistician plays an important role in the development and application of statistical techniques for the purpose of scientific research in health-related fields- these mainly include medicine, epidemiology, and public health etc. Biostatisticians play essential roles in designing studies and analysing data from research problems. Biostatistics education is imparted through lectures, seminars assignments, educational excursion etc.

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Bayesian Methods.
• Bioinformatics.
• Clinical Trials.
• Data Mining.
• Environmental Statistics.
• Genetics/genomics.
• Longitudinal Data Analysis.
• Spatial Analysis.
• Survival Analysis.

Biostatistics Courses in India: Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Microbial Diversity and Taxonomy.
2. Enzymology and Microbial Metabolism.
3. Virology.
4. Research Methodology.

Biostatistics Courses in India: Objectives

• To improve the development of statistical methods for clinical trials and observational studies.
• To be highly proficient in analysing risk factors for different illnesses.
• To introduce better statistical methods.

Biostatistics Courses in India: Basic Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Most of the universities offer education in Biostatistics at post graduate level. These research based programmes are usually of 3 years duration. Generally, the qualifying exam for such courses is an undergraduate programme in the related streams of Biostatistics, for example, a B.Sc. statistics or B.Sc. Mathematics with Statistics. Students are selected through entrance examination. Besides most institutes conducts their own tests followed by a personal interview.

Biostatistics Colleges in India

1. Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi.
2. Kannur University.
3. Sri Venkateswara University.
4. Manipal University, Karnataka (Manipal Academy of Higher Education).
5. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, West Bengal.
6. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), New Delhi.
7. IIT, Mumbai.
8. University of Calcutta, West Bengal, offers a one-year diploma in Health Statistics.

Personal Attributes - A candidate who has a penchant for collecting and studying information, forecasting scenarios and drawing conclusions, this field is absolutely meant for them. 

Job Perspectives

Owing to the man-made and natural disasters, the world is placing a high priority on building up the nation's public health workforce. The government is spending a lot on public health including scholarship and loan repayment programs, workforce development grants, and funding for bio-terrorism preparedness. This policy translates into high employment rate for candidates with a degree in public health. Biostatistics job in India are in great demand not only by private companies but also by government organizations. These opportunities offer competitive salaries in addition to other life-style benefits. Obviously, MNCs, pay more to deserving candidates. A range of positions are now available in segments like data management, pharmaceutical and clinical trials, data analysis and academia. In addition, biostatisticians are also in great demand at the national, state, and local levels. Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Smith Glaxo Kline are only three of the companies vying for employees with expertise in biostatistics. More are venturing in this field and will offer more employment opportunities.

Remuneration

Usually, the starting salary for Biostatistician can range from Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month depending on the type of job and the organization one works for. Statisticians with experience can draw anywhere between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month. 

Some Job Types

• Researcher.
• Consultants.
• Professor.
• Scientists.
• Document Specialist.
• Biostatistics Project Manager.
• Pharmaceutical Utilities Plant Operator.
• Product Research Analyst.
• Outcomes Research Manager.

Some Employment Areas

• Pharmaceutical Companies.
• Data Analysis.
• Educational Institutes.
• Hospitals.
• Forensics Department.
• Research Firms.
• Military.
• Consultancy.