Categories: Undergraduate Degrees
Overview of the Online Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program
The Online Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at USIU-Africa offers a comprehensive education at the intersection of public health and epidemiology. This program emphasizes the development, application, and teaching of descriptive and analytic statistical approaches essential for understanding the complex causes, distribution, and determinants of public health issues on local, national, regional, and global scales.
By integrating core theories and advanced methodologies, students learn to design, conduct, and interpret biological, biomedical, and health-related studies, equipping them to analyze and interpret data crucial for disease prevention and public health promotion. Graduates from this program become skilled health professionals, ready to tackle pressing public health challenges with an evidence-based approach.
🎯 Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Equip students with proficiency in descriptive and analytic statistics for understanding public health data patterns, disease determinants, and health trends on a local, national, and global scale.
- Research Methodology: Develop competency in designing, conducting, and evaluating biological and health-related studies, with hands-on experience in research and data collection.
- Public Health and Epidemiology Application: Cultivate skills to effectively analyze epidemiological data and implement disease prevention strategies to enhance public health policy-making and intervention.
- Statistical Software Mastery: Train students in using statistical software, such as R, SAS, STATA, and SPSS, for advanced data analysis, biostatistics, and predictive modeling.
- Communication and Reporting: Foster strong skills in presenting research findings and policy recommendations to a range of stakeholders in public health and related fields.
📌 Admission Requirements
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent with a minimum aggregate of C+ and attained the following minimum grades in the specified subjects: Biology C+; Mathematics B-; and English B-; or
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) Certificate with two principal passes in Biology and Mathematics and a subsidiary; or
- Be a holder of a KNEC Diploma or its equivalent in Epidemiology and Biostatistics;
- Five (5) upper level passes at IGCSE/IB;
- Five (5) credits in any 5 subjects at ‘O’ Level, and/or ‘A’ Level passes of ‘C’ at GCE.
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Curriculum
- 12 Sections
- 61 Lessons
- 78 Weeks
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Year One Trimester 15
- Year One Trimester 26
- 2.1ENG1106 Composition I (3 Units)
- 2.2IST1020 Introduction to Information Systems (3 Units)
- 2.3EPI 1010 Epidemiology of Disease (3 Units)
- 2.4HSC 1396 Introduction to Global Health and health systems (3 Units)
- 2.5BST 1020 Introduction to Statistical Computing
- 2.6NSC 2206 Basic human Anatomy and Physiology (3 Units)
- Year One Trimester 35
- Year Two Trimester 16
- 4.1GRM2000 Introduction to Research Methods (3 Units)
- 4.2EPI2010 Nutritional Epidemiology (3 Units)
- 4.3EPI3011 Applied Epidemiology (3 Units)
- 4.4IST2230 Introduction to Computer Fundamentals & Programming (3 Units)
- 4.5DAN3010 Multivariate Methods/Analysis (3 Units)
- 4.6HSC 2232 Introduction to Common medical problems I (Infectious diseases) (3 Units)
- Year Two Trimester 26
- 5.1HSC2391 Principles of Health Economics (3 Units)
- 5.2PHT2010 Disease Prevention & Health Promotion (3 Units)
- 5.3BST3010 Regression Modelling (3 Units)
- 5.4MGT3010 Overview of Management Practices (3 Units)
- 5.5HSC3395 Environmental & Occupational Health
- 5.6HSC 2233 Introduction to Common medical problems II (Non-Infectious diseases) (3 Units)
- Year Two Trimester 36
- 6.1PHT2020 Control & Prevention of Infectious Diseases (3 Units)
- 6.2PHT 3010 Contemporary Community Health Issues (3 Units)
- 6.3BST3020 Demographic Techniques (3 Units)
- 6.4HSC 3495 Health emergencies and first aid (3 Units)
- 6.5PHM 3450 Basic Pharmacology and therapeutics (3 Units)
- 6.6CMS370 Community Service (3 Units)
- Year Three Trimester 16
- 7.1FOREIGN LANGUAGE I: Choose 1 from the following: FRN1000, SPN1000, JPN1000, CHI1000, SWA1000, ARB1000 (3 Units)
- 7.2DAN3020 Data Mining (3 Units)
- 7.3HSC4010 Sociology for Health Sciences (3 Units)
- 7.4EPI4010 Exposure Assessment in Epidemiology (3 Units)
- 7.5HSC 2394 Pandemic preparedness and response (3 Units)
- 7.6EPI4020 Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology (3 Units)
- Year Three Trimester 24
- Year Three Trimester 34
- Year Four Trimester 15
- 10.1DAN4030 Time Series Analysis (3 Units)
- 10.2HSC4497 Practicum & Attachment I (Orientation to health setting) (4.5 Units)
- 10.3HSC4495 Project Planning & Proposal Development (3 Units)
- 10.4BST4020 Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases (4.5 Units)
- 10.5PHT4020 Monitoring & Evaluation of Health Programs (3 Units)
- Year Four Trimester 24
- Year Four Trimester 34
Graduates can pursue careers in public health, healthcare policy, epidemiology, data analysis, data science and research. Typical employers include government health departments, international health organizations, NGOs, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. Graduates may also work in outbreak investigation, health data management, and biostatistics roles.
Yes, the program offers a variety of internship placements with healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and NGOs. These internships provide hands-on experience and allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Internships are typically arranged during the later years of the program, and we assist students in finding placements that align with their career goals.
Students have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research on topics such as infectious diseases, chronic disease prevention, and healthcare systems. Additionally, students may complete a capstone project that involves conducting independent research on a public health issue of interest, supported by faculty mentorship.
Absolutely! The program includes training in essential statistical software used in the field, including R, SAS, STATA, and SPSS. These tools are integral to data analysis in epidemiology and biostatistics and will prepare you for both research and applied roles in public health.
Yes, our program has partnerships with several international public health organizations, allowing students to engage in global health learning experiences. Students may participate in fieldwork, global health exchange programs, or international workshops, which offer valuable exposure to global health challenges and diverse healthcare systems.
Students have access to academic advisors, career counselors, and faculty mentors who provide guidance on academic progress, career planning, and research opportunities. Additionally, there are workshops and seminars to help students develop professional skills and prepare for the workforce.
The program covers key aspects of public health, as it focuses on understanding health patterns, causes of diseases, and the impact of health issues within populations. Students will learn how to apply statistical methods to public health data, study disease prevention, and understand the factors that influence community health outcomes.
Yes, the BSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics provides a solid foundation for advanced studies in fields such as epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, and health policy. Graduates who want to deepen their expertise and specialize further often pursue master’s or doctoral programs after completing this degree.
Yes, the program encourages interdisciplinary learning and often collaborates with departments such as medicine, nursing, and environmental health. These collaborations allow students to work on comprehensive public health projects and gain insights from multiple fields.
Prospective students typically need a strong background in science and mathematics. Admission requirements may include high school transcripts with emphasis on biology, chemistry, and mathematics/Physics, along with standardized test scores, if applicable.
Target audiences
- Aspiring Biostatisticians, Epidemiologists, and Public Health Officers interested in research and data analysis.
- Individuals aiming for roles in Healthcare Policy, Data Science, or Big Data Management within healthcare and public health sectors.
- Professionals seeking to enhance their skills for careers in Monitoring and Evaluation, Clinical Trials, and Health Data Management.
- Students planning to pursue advanced studies, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or health policy.
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