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Biostatistics an emerging area of research

Biostatistics is a multi-faceted field involving the application of statistical methodsand techniques for collection, management and analysis of data related to living organisms and biological systems. It also involves the application of experimental design, projection methods, descriptive statistics and specific applications to biological disciplines.

Some of the specialized fields in Biostatistics are Population genetics,Epidemiology, Bioassays, Survival analysis, Demography, Actuarial statistics, Clinical trials and Bioinformatics. Population genetics is used in agriculture to improve crops and farm animals (animal breeding). In biomedical research, this work can assist in finding candidates for gene alleles that can cause or influence predisposition to disease in human genetics. Epidemiology is the cornerstone method of public health research, and helps inform evidence-based medicine for identifying risk factors for disease and determining optimal treatment approaches to clinical practice and for preventive medicine. Bioassays are typically conducted to measure the effects of a substance on a living organism and are essential in the development of new drugs and in monitoring environmental pollutants. Survival analysis attempts to answer questions such as: what is the fraction of a population which will survive past a certain time? Of those that survive, at what rate will they die? Can multiple causes of death be taken into account? How do particular circumstances or characteristics increase or decrease the odds of survival?

In demography, research surveys are planned and carried out to learn population trends and evaluate the consequences of population movements in due course. The effects due to the increased birth rate or immigration are observed so as to predict future trends. This may ultimately help the government, social service organizations, and private companies to plan ahead. Actuarial science is the discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in the insurance and finance industries. Bioinformatics entails the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data. In short Biostatistics is the application of statistics to biology, medicine, public health and drug development and statisticians who utilize their skills in these fields are called as Biostatisticians. They generally work together with other researchers in the diverse fields of health and collect information based on research. This data is then analyzed and applied to find new methods of treatment and cures.

Career opportunities
The demand for Biostatisticians both in private companies and government organizations are increasing day by day. Biostatisticians can find jobs with health research institutes both in India and overseas. These opportunities offer competitive salaries in addition to other life-style benefits. The remuneration offered depends upon the qualification, designation and the firm that employs them. Obviously, MNCs pay more to deserving candidates. A range of positions are now available in segments like data management, pharmaceutical and clinical research, data analytics, Life / General insurance companies and academia.

Realizing the growing demand for biostatisticians within India and outside, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University is starting Master of Science in Biostatistics in the current academic year 2011-12. The course will help the students to enhance their knowledge in different fields of Biostatistics, to strengthen their potential for taking up research activities and also to gain expertise in these fields. In addition, training will be given in different statistical software packages. The course will be ideal for those who are seeking jobs in MNCs and also for those who have a bent of mind towards both biology and mathematics/ statistics.

(Dr. Gleeja V. L, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, KVASU, Mannuthy)