Molecular Epidemiology

Catalog description

The course introduces the concepts, principles, and molecular tools used in epidemiologic research to evaluate both genetic susceptibility and the effects of environmental exposures underlying human disease. Class topics include: introduction to biomarkers of exposures, etiology and effect (including those used in infectious diseases) the theoretical advantages and limitations of biomarkers, criteria for evaluating and selection of potential markers, biological sample collection and storage (banking), methods for evaluation of gene-environment interactions, laboratory quality control considerations, issues in epidemiologic study design and analysis, ethical/legal concerns. Current methods and newly emerging technologies (‘omics) will also be discussed.