The Biostatistics and Epidemiology Core Unit is a resource for instruction,  consultation, collaboration, and support activities in health outcomes research, clinical epidemiology, research methods and design, biostatistics, meta-analysis, database development and computer applications. The unit is active in promoting research activities in these areas by offering occasional seminars and courses and the dissemination of related information to the College of Medicine faculty. Specifically, the unit: (1) provides basic research design, biostatistical and other analytical, epidemiological, computer application, consultation, and instructional services to faculty and students; (2) encourages and stimulates the use of biostatistics and epidemiologic methods in biomedical research; and (3) provides statistical information, biomedical and health databases, guidebooks, and access to computer software and hardware in assisting College of Medicine students, faculty, and staff in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and reporting of empirical data.

Facilities: Computer Hardware

The following microcomputers are dedicated to the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Core Unit for mathematical and statistical activities:

1. One HP Vectra Pentium 200MHz PC with 16MB RAM and 2.5GB hard disk with HP Colorado 3.2GB backup and HP Laserjet 4L printer.  In addition to the HP Vectra Pentium 200MHz PC, several other PC's are dedicated to the Biostatistics and Database Core for mathematical and statistical activities; all have either modem or hard-wired connects to the INTERNET.
2. A SUN SPARC system with 4GB of RAM is accessible by a T1 line for jobs requiring exceptionally large memory and ultrafast processing.
3. USA CSC IBM mainframe computer

Facilities: Mathematical and Statistical Software

Software available on Biostastitics and Epidemiology Core Unit microcomputers include:

1. SYSTAT 10 (containing a large variety of univariate, multivariate, nonparametric and parametric statistical routines) with the LOGIT, PROBIT, SURVIVAL, etc., modules.
2. S-PLUS 3.3 for Windows, EGRET for Windows, GAUSS, GLIM
3. A wide variety of other mathematical and statistical "niche" software including: Computer programs for Epidemiological Analysis PEPI Version 2, EPINFO/EPIMPAP, EPICURE, EPIMETA, LOGXACT for Windows, STATXACT 4 for Windows, STATABLE, CDC Programs for Meta-Analysis, Confidence Profile (Bayesian model) Programs for Meta-Analysis, nQuery3 (Sample Size/Power estimation), Solas 2 Multiple/Single Imputation for data editing)
4. SYSTAT graphics and PowerPoint for generation of publication quality graphics.

• DONALD HERBERT, PH.D.,
  Professor of Radiology, Director of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Core Unit, 
  
  
• BERNARD EICHOLD, III, M.D., PH.D.,
  Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Mobile County Health Department
  
  
• WILLIAM NOWACK, M.D.,
  Associate Professor of Neurology
  
  
• KEITH RAMSEY, M.D.,
  Associate Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, and Director of the Division of Infectious Disease