THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2024/2025

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences : Public Health Research

Postgraduate Course: Introduction to Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology (PUHR11117)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis 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).
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2024/25, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Flexible
Course Start Date 07/04/2025
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 )
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:
  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the core concepts and principles of genetic and molecular epidemiology
  2. Critically apply this understanding of core concepts and principles to evaluate genetic and molecular epidemiological studies
  3. Communicate concepts and evaluations of genetic and molecular epidemiological studies to a range of specialist and non-specialist audiences
Reading List
A reading list will be provided on the course virtual learning environment.
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.
KeywordsEpidemiology,genetic epidemiology,complex traits,GWAS,Polygenic Risk scores,Mendelian randomis
Contacts
Course organiserDr Judith Allardyce
Tel:
Email: Judith.Allardyce@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Laura Miller
Tel: (0131 6)51 5575
Email: Laura.Miller@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information