King Abdulaziz
University - Faculty of Medicine
Department of
Family & Community Medicine
Master of Public Health
Epidemiology and Biostatistics M.Sc.
IN COLLABORATION WITH HARVARD SCHOOL
OF
PUBLIC HEALT
(HSPH)
Program
Description
Epidemiology is the
study of the frequency,
distribution, and determinants of
human diseases. Biostatistics
involves the theory and application
of statistical science to the
analysis of public health problems
and biomedical research. Both
disciplines involve collecting,
classifying, summarizing,
organizing, analyzing, and
interpreting numerical information
relevant to public health. These
two disciplines provide the
quantitative foundation for the
public health sciences and clinical
research.
The MPH Program in
Epidemiology and Biostatistics is a
two-year program that provides
candidates with an advanced
understanding of epidemiological
concepts, a set of strong research
skills, and a knowledge of the
application of methods in
biostatistics in a variety of health
settings. The program has a strong
focus on public health. It provides
participants with the ability to
conceptualize, design and carry out
epidemiological research that
addresses critical health problems
in both clinical and community
settings. Finally, it helps students
integrate knowledge of research
methods from a range of health
disciplines.
The MPH Program in
Epidemiology and Biostatistics is
offered by the Department of Family
& Community Medicine in
collaboration with Harvard School of
Public Health (HSPH), one of the
premier public health schools
worldwide.
Educational
Innovation
Harvard faculty have an active role
in the teaching program, which
utilizes several educational
methods.
• Background material is delivered
through taped lectures that can be
viewed at times that are convenient
for the student.
• Live lectures by KAU professors.
• Live lectures from HSPH professors
through video conference.
• Visits by HSPH faculty to teach
and interact with students.
• Online interactions with other
students and faculty online
• Concept engagement in classrooms
with help of instructors
• Materials provided on a program
website: learning materials and
videos available for students to
absorb content outside of class time
• Classroom time is devoted to
exploration of more complicated
topics in greater detail, to
discussion of controversies, or to
work on problem solving (both
individually and with a team).
Program Outline
The Master of Science in
Epidemiology and Biostatistics is a
40 credit hours program. The course
work will be completed in two years,
over four semesters. It consists of
12 core courses, 2 elective courses,
and a research thesis.