Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology

Recent advances have made it feasible to incorporate data on potential genetic risk factors into traditional epidemiologic studies. Hence, there is an increasing need for epidemiologists to understand the genetic basis of disease, read, and interpret genetic studies, and incorporate the collection and analysis of genetic information into studies of disease etiology. The objectives of this course are to provide epidemiologists with an understanding of: 1) basic genetics, 2) the tools used by geneticists and genetic epidemiologists, and 3) the integration of genetic data into traditional epidemiologic study designs. After completing this course, students will be able to read and interpret genetic epidemiologic studies. In addition, they will be able to design epidemiologic studies that incorporate genetic data collection and analysis.