Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology in the GWAS era

We are currently accepting applications for this course which will take
place between 12th - 15th September 2011.

The course is taught in London by the Bloomsbury Centre for Genetic
Epidemiology and Statistics, a joint centre of LSHTM and UCL. 

Applicants for this course may also be interested in our companion
course: 

High Throughput Sequencing in Disease Studies
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/prospectus/short/genepi_sequencing.html

The Course
Genetic epidemiology holds great potential for personalised medicine
and improved biological knowledge of disease processes.  This course
provides an introduction to the design, analysis and interpretation of
genetic studies of disease, with a focus on state of the art analysis of
genomewide association scans.  The course consists of two 2-day modules.
 In the first module, basic genetics will be introduced and relevant
statistical methods for linkage and association analysis will be
described.  The second module covers the design and analysis of
genomewide association scans, including emerging applications to risk
prediction and biological pathway analysis.  Throughout the course
participants will gain practical experience of analysing genetic data in
population and family studies.  By the end of the course participants
will have an understanding of the fundamental concepts of genetic
epidemiology, will have a working knowledge of the terminology and
current status of the field, and will be able to perform many basic
analyses of genetic data.  This course is followed by the companion
course “High throughput sequencing in disease studies”.

Course Organisers: David Balding & Frank Dudbridge

Who should apply?
Participants are expected to be epidemiologists, clinicians, applied
statisticians or biologists with an interest in becoming familiar with,
or working in, genetic epidemiology.  A basic knowledge of statistics is
required, including familiarity with hypothesis testing and estimation. 
Experience with a statistical computing package such as R is required
for module B; a basic introduction will be provided in module A.

Teaching Methods and Course Materials
The course consists of alternating lectures and computer practical
sessions. Comprehensive course notes will be provided at the start of
the course.  Computer practicals will use the R package, which is freely
available with documentation at http://cran.r-project.org/ 

Course Content
Module A: Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology (6-7 September 2011)

Basic genetics, genetic markers, sequencing technology
Basic population genetics
Segregation and linkage analysis
Association analysis in populations and families
Module B: Genomewide association scans (GWAS) (8-9 September 2011)

Rationale and design of GWAS
Association analysis, quality control and population stratification
Multiplicity, replication and meta-analysis
Emerging trends including pathway analysis and risk prediction
Methods of Assessment
There is no formal assessment but a certificate of attendance will be
provided.

Course Fee Structure
The course fee covers participation in the course, materials, and
incidental tea/coffee, but does not cover travel costs, accommodation
and meals.

  Academic and not for profit individuals/sponsors Others 
1 module £400 £600 
2 modules £800 £1,200 

 
Please specify on the application form which module(s) you wish to
attend.

How to Apply
Please return a completed application form, along with an equal
opportunities form to: 

Registry, LSHTM, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, UK, Tel: +44 (0)20 7299
4648

Alternatively, by fax:

Fax: +44 (0)20 7299 4656

Or email: [log in to unmask] 
 

You may leave the list at any time by sending the command

SIGNOFF allstat

to [log in to unmask], leaving the subject line blank.