Biostatistics as a discipline is driven by the interaction between problems from medical research and rigorous mathematical analysis. Complex scientific challenges require the development of new and appropriate statistical methods. Currently such challenges emerge, for example, in environmental and infectious disease epidemiology, evidence-based medicine and especially in the rapidly expanding fields of genetics and genomics.

The Master Program in Biostatistics leads to a so called "specialized" master, implying that it is a useful and direct continuation of a bachelor degree in all fields that include quantitative aspects. It is based on the cooperation between the Institute of Mathematics and the Division of Biostatistics of the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine of the University of Zurich (UZH) and offers the only - to date - specialized program for the training of biostatisticians in Switzerland.

Carreer outlooks for biostatisticians are generally excellent, as for statisticians and professionals with quantitative skills in general. Graduates of the program will be highly qualified for an occupation at universities or research institutes and in the pharmaceutical industry. See Links for job offers.