Course - Genetic epidemiology - SMED8020
Genetic epidemiology
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About the course
Course content
The course focuses on the understanding of genetic epidemiology concepts and understanding of genetic variation in the population. Topics to be taught are study design, analysis methods (whole genome, mendelian randomization and functional follow-up), bias and confounding in analyses, implication of functional findings, the use of registry data and ethical considerations.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, the student should:
- Understand the concepts of genetic epidemiology, understand how genetic variation manifests itself in the population and how it can be studied.
- Know important tools and analysis methods for genome-wide analyses.
- Be able to assess and discuss results from such analyses, understand implications of functional findings and suggest follow-up analyses.
- Know analysis methods and the three main assumptions for MR analyses.
- Be able to describe the construction of an instrumental variable and assess the validity, strength and weaknesses of such.
- Be able to assess and discuss results from MR analyses.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and problem solving. All lectures and problem solving activities are mandatory. The course coordinator may approve up to 20% absence from mandatory lectures/activities. Absence may not be approved if the activity is considered to be critical to the learning outcomes of the course.
Compulsory assignments
- Presence at lectures
Further on evaluation
In the practical sessions, the students will receive analytical/computational problems to solve and questions to answer. Attendance at all practical sessions is mandatory. The answers from the practical tasks must be submitted at the end of each course day. All practical course work must be approved prior to the oral exam.
On the oral exam, the students are expected to present a scientific paper of choice and will be asked to assess and discuss the data, choice of methods, strengths and weaknesses. A list of papers to chose from will be provided at the beginning of the course week.
Recommended previous knowledge
Recommended background knowledge: KLMED8004 Medical statistics I, Introductory course in epidemiology (eg. Master course in epidemiology), basic knowledge in genetics, basic skills using R and/or basic skills and abilities to work in a Linux system (recommended online courses can be completed prior to the course. Please contact the course coordinator for more information).
Required previous knowledge
Completed Master's degree. Medical students enrolled at the Medical Students' Research Program.
Course materials
Given material, lecture notes and published articles.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SMED8021 | 2.5 sp | Autumn 2020 |
Subject areas
- Medicine