Postgraduate Course: Introduction to Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology (PUHR11117)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course will provide an overview of the central concepts and topical issues in modern genetic and molecular epidemiology as applied to the investigation of complex diseases. |
| Course description |
This course introduces the basic principles of genetic and molecular epidemiology. It will provide a broad overview of the conceptual framework used to integrate the biological sciences underlying modern genetics with the population science underpinning mainstream epidemiology, in this rapidly evolving field. Topics covered in the course will include an introduction to genetics, molecular structure, and population structure, data types and formats, genetic architecture, Genome Wide Associations Studies (GWAS), areas of potential confounding in GWAS from population stratification, statistical power, and multiple testing, post-GWAS analyses such as polygenic risk scores (PRS) or Mendelian randomisation (MR).
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
98 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 % «br /»
«br /»
The summative assessment will include components of critical appraisal and data interpretation. |
| Feedback |
Weekly course content will include practical exercises/ activities. Students will receive feedback via model answers and discussion groups for peer-support with feedback from tutors and course organisers, when required. There will be one formative assessment with personalised feedback from tutors and course organiser. Detailed written feedback will be provided via Learn after the summative assessment. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the core concepts and principles of genetic and molecular epidemiology
- Critically evaluate literature on genetic and molecular epidemiology
- Communicate concepts and critiques clearly to a specialist or peer audience
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Reading List
A reading list will be provided on the course virtual learning environment.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
The following generic and transferable skills are expected to be developed during this course:
1: Generic cognitive skills. Students will learn to apply critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis to a variety of issues that are informed by ongoing developments in genetic and molecular epidemiology. Students will learn to critically review genetic and molecular models and make informed judgements in situations in the absence of complete or consistent data/information.
2: Communication, numeracy, and IT skills. Students will learn to communicate with peers, senior colleagues and specialists through the group work and assessment. Students will undertake critical evaluations of a range of numerical and graphical data through assignments and assessment. Students will gain more experience in programming with R and PLINK during worked examples and practical exercises.
3: Autonomy, accountability and working with others. Students will be encouraged to exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities. Students will take responsibility for their own work. |
| Keywords | Epidemiology,genetic epidemiology,complex traits,GWAS,Polygenic Risk scores,Mendelian randomis |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Judith Allardyce
Tel:
Email: Judith.Allardyce@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Lucy Courage
Tel: (0131 6)51 7111
Email: lcourage@ed.ac.uk |
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