Genetic epidemiology

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 (Genome-wide association studies, Mendelian Randomization and functional follow-up), bias and confounding in analyses, implication of functional findings, the use of registry data and ethical considerations.

After completing SMED8020, the student will have:

Knowledge:

• 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.
• Know analysis methods and the three main assumptions for MR analyses.

Skills:

• Be able to assess and discuss results from such analyses, understand implications of functional findings and suggest follow-up 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.

General proficiency:

• Critically evaluate scientific papers in genetic epidemiology to support decisions and inform future research.

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.