Gene-Environment Interactions in Human Health

Catalog description

This course explores interactions between genetic variants and environmental factors, and how they contribute to a variety of population diseases. It bridges foundational concepts in genomics, epigenetics, and environmental health to explore gene-environment interactions (G x E) and epigenetic responses to the environment with relevance to public health. It prepares students to critically analyze established G x E interactions that impact human health and involve environmental toxicants, air pollution, infectious agents, and climate change. Students will study G x E interactions based on real-world cases and examine their biological mechanisms, population-level effects, and implications for disease prevention. Students will evaluate emerging areas of public health, including precision health, One Health and All of Us frameworks.