Human Genome Analysis : Genetic Analysis of Multifactorial Diseases

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the statistical methods currently used to map disease susceptibility genes in human populations. Discussions of the latest statistical methodology are complemented by practical hands-on computer exercises using state-of-the-art software. The statistical basics behind each method will be carefully explained so that participants with a non-statistical background can understand. In addition to discussing analysis methods applicable to samples of unrelated individuals, we also will discuss methods that can analyse family data or a combination of families and individuals.

This is a small residential course, with a low student:instructor ratio, personalized attention, and instructors involved and present throughout. Each student will receive a certificate of course completion at the end of the course.

The programme will discuss fundamental issues needed to increase success in gene mapping studies including:

- Optimal study design
- Power to detect linkage and association
- Determining the most appropriate statistical methods and software
- Quality control strategies
- Interpretation of statistical results and trouble shooting
- Basic principles of statistical inference
- Hypothesis testing
- Population and quantitative genetics
- Mendelian inheritance

Our interactive and intensive educational program will enable researchers to better carry out sophisticated statistical analyses of genetic data, and will also improve their interpretation and understanding of the results. The concepts and methodological approaches covered are equally applicable to genotype data generated from traditional genotyping technologies and to data generated through next generation sequencing endeavours. Note the focus of the course is on the downstream analysis of called variants.

Limited bursaries available.

Application Deadline: 8 April 2016
Price: Non-commercial residential course fee: GBP 955

Speakers: Daniel Weeks (University of Pittsburgh, USA), Heather Cordell (Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK), Janet Sinsheimer (University of California, Los Angeles, USA), Eric Sobel (University of California, Los Angeles, USA), Joe Terwilliger (Columbia University, New York, USA), Simon Heath (Centre Nacional d’Anàlisi Genòmica (CNAG), Barcelona, Spain), Chris Wallace University of Cambridge, UK), Nicole Soranzo Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK), Andrew Morris University of Liverpool, UK)