Genetic Epidemiology

In modern health research genetic association studies play a large role. Genome-wide association studies are being performed to discover genetic variations associated with both continuous traits and diseases. Results from these studies are subsequently being used to better understand the mechanisms that lead to diseases, and to understand whether associations found in observational studies between risk factors and diseases are indeed causal.

This 5-day course covers a short introduction to population genetics. During the course we will discuss genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genetic imputation. Also we will show how to follow-up the hits identified in GWAS studies. Then we will discuss Mendelian randomization studies and some miscellaneous topics. Some basic knowledge on epidemiology and population genetics is preferable. We end the course with an exam.

At the end of the course the student:

• has basic knowledge of population genetics
• knows how to find information in web-based databases on:
  • the genetic backgrounds of complex diseases
  • the genes that are associated with these diseases
  • the gene itself (function, size, number of exons and introns, etc.)
  • variation within the gene
  • expression of this gene
• can perform a power calculation for genetic studies
• knows how to design a genetic association study
• knows the basics of a Mendelian Randomization study
• can perform a simple MR study in MR-base and interpret the results
• can perform quality control (QC) analyses in PLINK
• has knowledge on imputation methods in genetic epidemiology
• the student can perform a simple association test in PLINK and interpret the results

Our courses are aimed at clinical researchers, nurses, general practitioners, and other health professionals who want to improve their skills in epidemiology, statistics and (clinical) research.

1 week, fulltime (face to face)

Please note that this course is part of an existing program within the Graduate School of Life Sciences.