CCEB: M.S.C.E. Tracks

M.S.C.E. Tracks

Epidemiology Track

Ebbing Lautenbach, MD, MSCE Interim Track Director

The Epidemiology Track is designed for students interested in a broad training experience. The track provides in-depth knowledge of the research techniques appropriate to epidemiologic research.

Students in this Track are required to take the core courses and Clinical Economics and Clinical Decision Making (EP 550). In addition, students in the Epidemiology Track will elect further advanced courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, computer sciences, or other related fields, which must equal at least two course units. These will be chosen in consultation with the student's faculty advisor and with track director.

Courses offered elsewhere in the University or independent study courses might also be included. View a list of all current Epidemiology courses in the Epidemiology Curriculum section. Alternatively, students may elect to enroll in intensive short courses offered during the summer at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, the New England Epidemiology Institute, or the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Approval should be obtained prior to enrolling in either of these programs. Course units will be assigned to those courses based on the University guidelines.

Health Services Research Track

David Asch, M.D. M.B.A., Track Director

The Health Services Research Track provides training in issues that relate to the impact of the organization, financing, and management of health care services on the quality, cost, and outcomes of and access to care.

Students enrolled in this Track are required to take the core courses and Clinical Economics and Clinical Decision Making (EP 550). In addition, students enrolled in this track are required to take a course covering the basic principles of microeconomics. Several courses meet this requirement. Students should consult their advisor and the track director.

There are two concentrations within the Track: outcomes research and technology assessment. Students concentrating in outcomes research must take a course in outcomes research; those concentrating in technology assessment are required to take a course in cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis. Students in the Health Services Research Track are not required to take elective courses, as the required courses described above take the place of electives.

Human Genetics Track

Timothy Rebbeck, Ph.D., Track Director

The Human Genetics Track prepares students to integrate the methods of genetics, molecular biology, biostatistics, and epidemiology to study human disease. Those who wish to enroll in the Human Genetics Track should demonstrate they have a fundamental grasp of basic human genetics principles, which can be achieved by demonstrating prior research or training experiences. Alternatively, students may take courses offered on or off campus to make up for deficiencies in this area.

Students in the Human Genetics Track are required to take the core courses plus Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention (EP 642) and Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology (EP 575). Students also are expected to participate in a genetics rotation during the period of their training. This rotation can be in any setting in which genetics research is being undertaken, including (but not limited to) experiences in hands-on molecular biology labs, computer-based statistical genetics research, and clinical genetics rotations. The student, Track Director, and mentor determine these rotations during the course of training.

Bioethics Track

Jason Karlawish, MD, Track Director

The Bioethics Track is designed to teach students how to apply methods used in empirical analysis to moral arguments. Students enrolled in the Bioethics Track are required to take the core courses, Clinical Economics and Clinical Decision Analysis (EP 550), and two additional courses. These are Empirical Bioethics (EP 590) and Conceptual Foundations of Bioethics (PHIL 573). Students in the Bioethics Track are not required to take elective courses, as the required courses listed above take the place of electives.

Clinical Trials Track

David Margolis, M.D., Ph.D., Track Director

The Clinical Trials Track is designed to expand the existing MSCE training program to prepare individuals with expertise in Clinical Epidemiology and Patient-Oriented Research. It is not meant to serve as or replace any M.S. or Ph.D. degree that is or will be primarily focused on "wet-bench" Patient Oriented Research such as studies of the molecular mechanism of disease, the cellular or molecular mechanism of drugs, or studies in pharmacokinetics. Students enrolled in the Clinical Trials Track are required to take the core courses, Clinical Trials (EP 630), and two elective courses. View a list of current electives offered by the CCEB in the Epidemiology Curriculum section.