Laura Barras, BSc Biology (UNIL), MSc Medical Biology (UNIL), MSc Biostatistics (UZH)
I was first introduced to statistics during my studies in biology. I remember being fascinated by this ability to extract information from the data and conclude whether the experiment was a success or not. Later, I had the chance to carry out a randomised clinical trial aiming to find new biomarkers of autologous blood transfusion. I came to realize that the most crucial part of the whole study was the analysis of the results and I enjoyed this part most of all. It was also clear to me that my knowledge of statistics was not sufficient to analyse complex data. This led me to pursue my studies with the Master Program in Biostatistics at the University of Zürich.
This program exceeds all my expectations. I particularly appreciate the fine balance between theory and practice. Understanding the models and correctly interpreting the outcomes is a critical aspect of any statistical analysis and is properly emphasised. Moreover, the program is flexible enough to cover all the basics and let us follow our various interests. I feel that the knowledge and skills gained during this master will be directly applicable to any future position may it be in academia or in the private sector.
Isaac Gravestock, BSc Applied Statistics (UWA, Australia), MSc Biostatistics (UZH)
I chose the Biostatistics Master and UZH because my interest in statistics is in the applications that make a difference for people. Through the program I have gained experience and the confidence to do statistical analyses on the wide range of problems that occur in medical and health sciences. The courses have had a good mix of statistical theory, applied problems, computer programming and the ethical and other real life challenges that come from doing research on people. Although I had a background in mathematics and statistics, I found the lectures to be challenging and interesting and I have learnt a lot.
Ruizhu (Fiona) Huang, BSc Chemistry (WUT, China), MSc Biostatistics (UZH)
I have always been fascinated by medical research and I like numbers. The applications of statistics to medicine and the health sciences show me the potential to combine these two interests. My goal is to work in a pharmaceutical company and analyze medical data or data related to public health. My motivation for attending this master program of Biostatistics is to acquire profound knowledge of statistics. I have been in the program for one year now and I get more and more convinced that it is a good choice for me. It provides very practical and interesting statistical knowledge; meanwhile, the curriculum structure is arranged in a systematic way so that I can follow it easily with my bachelor in Chemistry. I will start my master thesis in the coming semester, it is about using linear mixed model to analyze HIV data. This topic is exactly what I would like to do in the future. There is still a long way to go for my goal but I know I am on the right path now!
Sandra Siegfried, BSc Biology (UZH), MSc Biostatistics (UZH)
I am very much interested in learning more about the framework of how to tackle problems from the field of biology and medicine and that is why I chose the Master Program in Biostatistics. While in my Bachelor in Biology I got broad insight into the field of natural science and was able to conduct biological experiments, I was always keen to learn more about the methodology behind assessing the collected data and evaluating scientific problems.
The Master Program in Biostatistics perfectly brings together the statistical theory and computational methods to assess “real world” problems. Furthermore, it convinced me by its structure with both theoretical and practical courses and its broad field of application. Over the course of my master studies I was able to get a deep insight into statistical methods, could improve my analytical and computational skills and furthermore got encouraged to critically assess, how to design and evaluate scientific studies. Being able to deepen my knowledge while being surrounded by so many peers has strongly grown my interest in this field. Altogether, I have experienced this Master Program as a great environment for excellent education and personal progress.
