Statistics for Human Genetics

The explosion of molecular biological research over the past few decades has driven developments in molecular genetic techniques: from manual PCR, to large-scale automated genotyping, and most recently next-generation sequencing (NGS) at a whole exome or genome level. Collection of large scale data sets must be mirrored by an increase in data analytic skills among researchers: this research is increasingly "dry bench" and less "wet bench"-based. It is crucial that the principles of sound epidemiological study design and statistical analysis are understood and applied.

PHPS40870 - Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology (5 credits)

An introduction to basic principles of genetics, and genetic epidemiologic study design:

· The concepts underlying the heritability of traits and its estimation: twin, adoption and family studies

· Principles underlying study designs for the mapping of genes with particular emphasis on the genetic architecture of disease: common-disease/common variant, and rare disease / rare variant models

· The role and mechanisms of gene-environment interactions in health and disease, and complex genetic architecture encompassing genetic heterogeneity and epistasis

PHPS40880 - Statistics for Human Genomics (10 credits)

Practical development of skills in analysis of human genetic data:

· Theoretical underpinnings statistical analysis of genetic data

· Estimation of heritability, and mapping of disease genes: genetic linkage statistics in families, and genetic association statistics in family-based or case-control samples

· Use of software for data manipulation (UNIX/Cygwin), imputation (e.g. IMPUTE2), linkage (GENEHUNTER2), and association (PLINK2), and use of general statistical software (R)

· Specifying and testing interactions; correcting for population stratification; new methods and resources for rare variant analysis

Applicants should have a min. 2.2 or higher in a NFQ Level 8 (or international equivalent) degree in a relevant field, for example: medicine, life sciences, mathematics or statistics, computer science. They should be driven by interest or need to learn data analytic skills for the identification of gene - trait associations. For this entirely online course, they should be self-motivated and capable of dedicating regular time to the programme.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

Prof Cert Statistics for Human Genetics PT (X793)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Part Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

You can apply using the UCD online application system. To apply, simply click on http://www.ucd.ie/apply and follow the instructions. A non-refundable application fee applies. The application fee is paid online.

15

1 year part-time online.

ProfCert Statistics for Human Genetics (X793) Part Time
EU/ NON-EU fee per year - €1,695

***Fees are subject to change

Fees include tuition and examination fees. The fee schedule for all programmes is shown on the UCD Fees website (http://www.ucd.ie/fees/) and refers to the fee for a single academic year. Further information regarding fees is available on the UCD Fees website.

Next Intake: 2018/2019 January