Department of Biostatistics (BIST)

 

Fieldwork Guidelines

  1. GOALS OF A FIELD WORK EXPERIENCE IN BIOSTATISTICS

    2. Fieldwork in Biostatistics will give the Biostatistics student the opportunity to integrate statistical theory, methodology, and practice in biomedical or other public health related fields.

  2. ELIGIBILITY

    3. Students are eligible after completing all core (15 credits) and most department courses (about 21 credits) and after attending at least one fieldwork presentation. Students should have a GPA of at least 3.0. For full-time MPH students this will normally be the last semester of study. For part-time MPH students it will occur in the last year of study.

    Students may not perform fieldwork in their current or normal job assignment. In special instances, fieldwork may take place in one�s place of employment but requires a different supervisor and a project that lies outside of ones usual activities/responsibilities. See details in the booklet of �Fieldwork Handbook� from the fieldwork coordinator.

  3. OPTIONS

    4. Depending on the opportunities and scheduling, students generally have two kinds of options:

    1. Government or private organizations: The student works with an official (field supervisor) to define a research project.
    2. University: The student serves as an assistant to a faculty member for research projects.

    In either case, the student studies the research questions, interacts with investigator(s) under the guidance of a faculty advisor selected from the Department, applies statistical methods, analyzes data or develops computer programs and performs simulations, and prepares reports.

  4. PROCESS

    5. Close cooperation among the student, Department faculty advisor and fieldwork supervisor (if any) is essential. The student must initiate the preparation and carry out the fieldwork. The Department faculty advisor advises the student, ensures the statistical integrity and approves the fieldwork project and the final report. The fieldwork supervisor (if any) guides the project to ensure the usefulness of the results. Time requirements (for 6 credits) will not be waived.

Activity

Time Frame

1.

  • Notify Biostatistics MPH advisor and fieldwork coordinator of intention to register for fieldwork, discuss eligibility and identify a faculty advisor from the Department of Biostatistics.

One semester before the planned fieldwork experience.

2.

  • With the help of the faculty advisor and fieldwork coordinator choose project and project site.
  • Develop a written work plan (including the fieldwork contract) which includes the planned work schedule, your learning objectives and a description in general terms of what will be done to achieve the goals of the research.  Secure approval of faculty advisor, (fieldwork supervisor if any) & fieldwork coordinator.  This plan should document plans for regularly scheduled meetings with the faculty advisor.
  • Register

At least one week before registering for fieldwork.

3. Undertake the fieldwork experience.

  • Arrange a schedule to meet with faculty advisor (at least twice a month).
  • Keep a daily log of activities so you can recall how your time was spent, and when you were constrained by problems (government, private organizations, investigators; data, methodological, and other problems.)
  • Share your progress with the faculty advisor (and fieldwork supervisor if any.)

On-going through- out the fieldwork

4.

  • Prepare an outline of your final fieldwork report for discussion with and approval by faculty advisor (and fieldwork supervisor if any).
  • Schedule a date and time to present your fieldwork to the Department of Biostatistics faculty and students.

When 80% of your fieldwork experience is complete.

5.

  • Prepare a draft of your final report for discussion with and approval by faculty advisor and fieldwork supervisor.

When 90% of your fieldwork is complete. Due 1 month before the final report.

6.

  • Submit the final report, which follows a research paper format: one-page abstract, introduction, data, method, results, and summary and discussion. Discuss with faculty advisor for examples.
  • Make a formal 30 minute presentation of your fieldwork project to the Department of Biostatistics faculty and students.

By May 1st for May graduation; by Sept. 1 for Oct. graduation; by Dec. 1 for Jan. graduation.

7.

  • Make a formal presentation of your fieldwork project at the School-wide Fieldwork Presentations, usually held in January, May or December, depending on graduation date.  Contact the fieldwork coordinator for scheduling your presentation and inform your faculty advisor.

At end of semester once field work is completed.

Department Info