Course Descriptions

HES 700 - (4) (Y)
Introduction to Biostatistics
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the MS/HES program or permission of instructor
Covers the fundamentals in medical statistics including descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis testing, precision, sample size, correlation, problems with categorization of continuous variables, multiple comparison problems, and interpreting of statistical results. Cross-listed as STAT 500.

HES 701 - (3) (Y)
Fundamentals of Epidemiology
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the MS/HES program or permission of instructor
An introduction to the field of epidemiology and the methods of epidemiologic research. Students learn how to interpret, critique, and conduct epidemiologic research. The latter includes formulating a research question, choosing a study design, collecting and analyzing data, controlling bias and confounding, and interpreting study results.

HES 702 - (3) (Y)
Epidemiology of Disease
Prerequisites: HES 701 or permission of instructor
A survey of the epidemiology of different diseases, both infectious and chronic. Students learn about the natural history, clinical course, and risk factors for the specific diseases covered. In addition, students apply their knowledge of epidemiology to a disease of interest to them and write a research proposal to address their topic.

HES 703 - (2) (Y)
Statistical Computing and Graphics
Prerequisites: Some past experience using a spreadsheet is required; experience with a programming language such as BASIC is desirable.
Provides an introduction to statistical computing using primarily the S-PLUS language. Topics covered include entering, checking, recoding, and graphically exploring data; graphical perception; and creating easy-to-interpret graphics that display interesting patterns in data as well as the results of analyses. Cross-listed as STAT 301/501.

HES 704 - (4) (Y)
Biostatistical Modeling
Prerequisites: HES 700, HES 703
Covers many aspects of multivariable regression modeling as it is commonly used in prognostic, diagnostic, and epidemiologic modeling and in clinical trials. Data reduction methods for analyzing studies with too many predictor variables and too few subjects are introduced. Methods for verifying assumptions of most types of regression models are given. Techniques for estimating how predictor variables should be transformed so as to meet linearity assumptions are stressed. Graphical and analytic methods for interpreting regression relationships (including interactions) are given. Methods for validating a model's predictive accuracy are covered in detail.

HES 707 - (3) (Y)
Health Care Informatics
Prerequisites: Experience with word processing, presentation graphics, electronic mail, spreadsheets, and library information systems preferred.
Explores nature and functions of health informatics, the current state of the science, present and future applications, and major issues for research and development. Topics include information processing and management, decision support, computer-based patient records and information systems, standards and codes, databases, outcomes research, and the generation and management of knowledge. The focus is primarily on informatics in the delivery and management of patient care, but students also receive an overview of current developments in instructional technology. Cross-listed as GNUR 707.

HES 709 - (3) (Y)
Health Care Economics
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the MS/HES program or permission of instructor
Reviews the basic principles of economics most relevant to analyzing changes in the provision of health care and applies these principles to the analysis of current health care institutions and their performance, trends in health care service delivery, and methods of forecasting future trends.

HES 710 - (3) (Y)
Health Care Policy and Management
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the MS/HES program or permission of instructor
Focuses on the evolution of the American health care system from a health policy and health values perspective, with an emphasis on the current health care system. Topics include a brief review of unsuccessful legislative attempts to implement a national health program and a discussion of the current issues surrounding the financing and delivery of health care under a managed care framework.

HES 711 - (3) (IR) Survey Research Methods
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the MS/HES program or permission of instructor
Covers the theory and practice of survey research. Topics include surveys as a scientific method; sampling theory; the construction, testing, and improvement of survey instruments; interviewer training; the organization of field work; coding and data quality control; data analysis; and the preparation of survey reports. Cross-listed as SOC 511.

HES 712 - (3) (Y)
Health Technology and Outcomes Evaluation
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the MS/HES program or permission of instructor
Introduces students to the techniques needed for the evaluation of health outcomes from the perspectives of the patient, the physician, the health care provider, and society. Measurement and evaluation of survival, functional status, quality of life, and health values are presented. Evaluation of the efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of devices, interventions, and processes of care are also addressed.

HES 721 - (3) (Y)
Quality Management Principles and Techniques
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the MS/HES program or permission of instructor

Section I: Traces the evolution of quality management and improvement in the health care industry from monitoring compliance with regulatory and accrediting standards to the current orientation on measuring outcomes and documenting process improvements. Explores the increasingly influential role of payers and consumers in mandating quality performance measurements systems. Surveys the national array of “report cards” designed to measure the quality of managed care organizations.

Section II: Focuses on efforts to implement industrial quality management methods in health care. Provides an overview and a contrast of various tools and techniques for quality management. Topics include principles of Total Quality Management, techniques for continuous improvement and quality planning, the application of Statistical Process Control in health care, skills for group processing and team facilitation, and techniques for managing large projects. The class combines class work and practical experience.

HES 731 - (3) (Y)
Clinical Trials Methodology
Prerequisites: HES 700 or equivalent
Covers the design and analysis of Phase I-III clinical trials. Topics include choice of study population and endpoints, choice of study design and sample size estimation, randomization and masking, patient recruitment, data collection and quality control, data monitoring committees, data analysis, and the interpretation and reporting of results. Cross-listed as STAT 531.

HES 741 - (4) (Y)
Health Care Database Management
Prerequisite: HES 707 or equivalent
Introduces students to theories and practice of database management in health care and health sciences. This knowledge is integral to health informatics as a support for clinical practice, management, and research.

HES 742 - (3) (Y)
Information Resources and the Organization
Prerequisite: HES 707 or equivalent
Explores the uses and management of information as a resource of the health care enterprise. Students learn about the information needs of clinicians and managers and about technical and organizational issues in the communication, aggregation, and analysis of data for clinical and health services research, quality improvement, and management studies. Emphasizes information requirements and technological tools for meeting the objectives of this enterprise.

HES 888 - (1-12) (Y)
Field Project

HES 891, 892 - (1-12) (Y)
Topical Research (Thesis only)

HES 897, 898 - (1-12) (Y)
Non-topical Research

Continue to: Departmental Degree Requirements
Return to: Chapter 5 Index