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. This course has lectures together with SMED8020.

Learning outcome

After completing SMED8021, 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.
• Have theoretical knowledge of important tools and analysis methods for genome-wide analyses.
• Have theoretical knowledge of 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 Competence:

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

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. All lectures are mandatory. The course coordinator may approve up to 20% absence from mandatory lectures. Absence may not be approved if the activity is considered to be critical to the learning outcomes of the course.

Compulsory assignments

• All lectures are mandatory

Recommended previous knowledge

KLMED8004 Medical statistics I, Introductory course in epidemiology (eg. Master course in epidemiology) and basic knowledge in genetics.

Required previous knowledge

Master degree or similar. Medical students at the students Research Program.

Course materials

Given material, lecture notes and published articles.

Credit reductions