Developmental and Health Genetics

Catalog description

The focus of this course is on genetic influences on complex traits that are relevant to health and development. In the first part of the course, aspects of basic genetics are reviewed from the perspective of how genes work in the context of complex traits. This background information is complemented in the second part by an introduction to basic study designs and experimental approaches in genetic epidemiology, molecular genetics, and quantitative genetics. The third part of the class focuses on the application of these concepts and methods to the investigation of the genetics of health-related conditions. At the end of the course, students will have a fundamental understanding of how multiple genetic and environmental influences interplay to influence health, and the ability to evaluate critically claims of identification of genes that influence complex traits.