Academics
The department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology provides instruction and research supervision in quantitative methods for analyzing data in the biological sciences. We teach classes at all levels of instruction ranging through the mathematical theory of statistical techniques and computational methods for complex data to classes in the use of statistical methods aimed at students in applied fields.
Undergraduate Programs
BSCB offers the major in Biometry for undergraduate students. Our majors are trained in the theory and practise of modern statistics. Many of our undergraduate students combine this major with minors or second majors in particular application areas. Students may concentrate in statistical methodology or in statistical genomics. In addition to a background in theory and methods, students are given experience in the practical application of methodology through consulting classes. Those who undertake an honors theses also frequently focus on the application of statistical methods to new and challenging data.
In addition to the major, the department offers a minor in Biometry for students in applied fields who wish to gain greater statistical expertise. This program is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of statistical techniques and the mathematics necessary to understand and use them.
Graduate Programs
BSCB faculty are involved in graduate teaching and research across a number of fields of study. Our faculty teach core courses in the M.Sc. and Masters of Professional Studies programs in Statistics as well as for the Ph.D. programs in the graduate fields of Statistics, Computational Biology and Biometry. Additionally, BSCB faculty are members of a number of graduate fields and serve as minor committee members in the above fields for graduate students across Cornell University.
Applied Courses
BSCB teaches applied statistical methodology for majors in many disciplines across Cornell University. We teach basic statistics and data analysis classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level; these satisfy statistics requirements for a number of majors and concentrations. In addition, we offer classes with an applied focus in a number of more specialized fields, notably experimental design, sampling and statistical genomics.