Advanced Methods for Analysis of Complex Genetic Traits

Catalog description

The recent explosion in the availability of molecular level data coupled with technological advancements allowing for large-scale sequencing creates an exciting opportunity to tailor treatment decisions to the specific genetic characteristics of a patient. Epidemiologic studies will provide the tools to draw from this vast array of molecular data as well as well-established environmental risk factors to predict disease outcomes. However, understanding analytic methods for characterizing the complex interactions among genetic polymorphisms, biomarkers, environmental factors, and disease outcomes is imperative to draw meaningful and relevant conclusions from these studies. Through this course, students will understand and present advanced statistical methods and how they can be applied to the study of complex genetic traits. Prerequisition: Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology or equivalent; training in study design and statistical analysis related to statistical genetics and molecular epidemiology, and permission of course directors.