Skip to content

PM516B — Biostatistical Consulting (Practicum)

Spring 2026

Overview

PM516B is an independent consulting practicum.

Building on PM516A, each student supports an investigator through an authentic data analysis engagement — from initial meeting and scope definition through final deliverables.

Course Emphasis

The primary goals of PM516B are:

  • Conduct and document an initial consultation
  • Define project scope and analytic strategy
  • Perform statistical analyses independently
  • Communicate findings clearly in written and oral formats
  • Navigate professional and ethical responsibilities
  • Deliver a final report and meeting to the investigator

Primary Activities

The Timelines page outlines the structure of the practicum and key milestones.

Activities will consist of the following:

  • IRB foundations and required compliance training (human subjects, HIPAA, etc.)
  • Initial meeting and follow-up scope documentation
  • Interim check-ins with instructor
  • Final written analysis report
  • Professional meeting/discussion with the client
  • Client feedback

Each student is expected to devote approximately 40 hours to the consulting engagement.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is especially valuable for:

  • Students who have taken PM516A and want to apply their skills to a largely independent consultation.
  • Students who want to gain practice across the scope of activities performed by a biostatistical consultant.

Contact

I am currently co-director of the SC-CTSI biostatistics core, and have over 20 years experience with data analysis, research design, and statistical consulting. I'm excited to have you in this course and to help facilitate connections to the broader Keck research community.

Trevor Pickering
Office: SSB 202W
Email: tpickeri@usc.edu