Biomedical Informatics
Matthew Scotch
About this opportunity
Biomedical informatics (BMI) is a multidisciplinary field that involves the understanding of information sciences and technology and their application to the fields of biomedical science, clinical imaging, health care practice, and population health. The BMI curriculum includes biomedical informatics, computer science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics.
Students learn approaches to:
- Acquiring data
- Data management
- Knowledge representation
- Modeling and machine learning
BMI students can bridge their interests in both technology and health care. The program trains students to become experts at translating biomedical data into knowledge that improves individual and population health outcomes.
Thesis
Students are encouraged to connect with Biomedical Informatics faculty and enroll in research credit through CHS 494, which counts for honors credit, prior to thesis work. Thesis work is typically done through quantitative and computer-based research or wet lab work to generate data. Qualitative research might also be conducted for a thesis. The BMI capstone may be used as the basis for the honors thesis with permission from the BMI Faculty Honors Advisor.
Academic Preparation
Students are encouraged to start work on their honors credits, involvement, and research early in their academic careers. This will allow them to get to know faculty and discover interest areas for the thesis.
Students can get involved with the Center for Health Information and Research
The Center for Health Information and Research (CHiR) is a dynamic multidisciplinary Center in the College of Health Solutions. We serve as a resource, tool, and collaborator for individuals and organizations that need comprehensive health care information and data analytics for public, private and research uses. CHiR works with a wealth of data relevant to the health and access to care in Arizona and around the nation. We are a team of faculty, staff, and students armed with the best tools to use data to ask and answer timely questions in health. We prefer students who have demonstrated the following proficiencies:
- Programming skills in SAS, SQL, Python, Stata, or R
- Data visualization using Tableau or similar packages
- Writing and communication skills
- Organizational or project management skills
Recommended Timeline
Generally, students confirm thesis ideas and plans by the end of junior year and then work on the project and defend the final thesis in their last two semesters. Students can also prepare through internship experiences and mentoring programs offered through the College of Health Solutions.
Other Honors Opportunities
Honors students are encouraged to participate in conference opportunities. They can apply for funding through the Barrett Honors Project Fund and request Student Conference Support from the College of Health Solutions. There are student organizations for the College of Health Solutions and leadership opportunities such as CHS 101 facilitators and the Summer Health Institute camp counselor program.