 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Craig D. Turnbull, PhD, Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, C B # 7420, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, (919) 966-7259, turnbull@bios.unc.edu
Our School has admitted students to its BSPH in Biostatistics (BSPH/BIOS) Program since1976. The goals of this Program are to prepare students for entry-level statistical positions in health-related agencies; to equip them to pursue graduate-level study; and to introduce them to the field of Public Health.
The purposes of this study were to determine the feasibility of contacting the first 155 graduates of the Program; to update existing information regarding post-baccalaureate activities; to conduct an evaluation of the content of the Program; and to compare the results of this survey with those obtained in 1993 for our first 80 BSPH/BIOS graduates.
Personal information was obtained from our Department's files. These data were entered into an EXCEL data file and this file was used to create personalized mailing labels, introductory letters, and information sheets to accompany a four-page questionnaire. Each information sheet listed the most current name and address and it requested updates. The questionnaire consisted of 22 items concerning the BSPH/BIOS Program and the effects it has had on the graduates' careers. Twenty of these items were the same as those that were used in the previous survey.
71% of the questionnaires and 70% of the information sheets were returned. Survey responses were coded to ensure anonymity. The data were coded into an EXCEL file and this file was interfaced with SAS. The initial analyses consisted of constructing a frequency distribution for each item and stratifying on various variables, including five year-of-graduation cohorts, to explore patterns and relationships.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Biostatistics, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's
undergraduate program in Biostatistics (BSPH)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment at UNC-CH: I initiated this Program and I have served as its Program Director since 1976.