Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students will be able to:
• Understand the fundamental genetic and epidemiological principles of this field, and demonstrate knowledge and application of the study designs particular to this field
• Distinguish from primary literature the range of possible genetic architectures which underlie a trait or a disease
• Use a wide variety of phenotype, genetic sequence, genetic variant, and clinical genetic databases
• Identify potential confounders of associations between genes and traits or diseases
• Appreciate the role and possible mechanisms by which genetic and environmental risk factors can interact to increase risk of disease
Note that at the module coordinators discretion a viva voce may be used as an oral assessment of the Final Assignment topic, for some students.
Indicative Module Content:
- Principles of human genetics
- Inheritance of genetic disease
- Heritability from family, twin and adoption studies
- Gene-mapping with genetic linkage studies
- Gene-mapping with genetic association studies
- Genome-wide association studies
- Genetic architecture and polygenic models
- Special topics:
* Cancer genetics
* Epigenetics and Environmental genetics
* Genetic testing and screening
* Pharmacogenetics
* Mendelian randomisation studies
* Rare disease
* [may vary somewhat year to year]