MF9460 – Introduction to genetic epidemiology
Course description
Course content
The course is intended to give an understanding of concepts and methods related to genetic epidemiology with focus on both familiy-related linkage analysis and population-based association studies. We will explain general concepts of genetic epidemiology, and demonstrate practical methods and tools needed for different kinds of genetic data. In the hands-on parts of the course we will focus on softwares PLINK (for association) and Merlin (for linkage analysis).
Learning outcome
1. Basic concepts of genetic epidemiology: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, haplotypes, genetic mapping measures, linkage disequilibrium, data quality control, study design, population stratification.
2. Introduction in PLINK and Merlin software.
3. Population-based association studies:
- Analysis of qualitative and quantitative traits
- Multifactorial Analysis of SNPs: (logistic) regression, likelihood-ratio test etc
- Multiple testing
4. Parametric Linkage-Analysis:
- Pedigrees and inheritance modes of Mendelian diseases, LOD scores,
- two-point and multipoint analysis,
- power analysis for linkage,
- clinical aspects of linkage analysis.
5. Siste nytt (Current Research topics)
Admission
Ph.D. candidates and students at the Medical Student Research Programme will get first priority to the course. The maximum number of participant is 30.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Basic knowledge of statistics, equivalent to an introductory course.
Recommended previous knowledge
Basic knowledge of Genetics, Basic computational skills
Teaching
The course includes lectures and exercises in PC-labs.
Examination
A take-home exam will be given at the end of the course. Grading: Pass/fail.
Explanations and appeals
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.