2017-2018 / GBIO0015-1

A tour in genetic epidemiology

Duration

15h Th, 15h Pr, 60h Proj.

Number of credits

 Master in biomedical engineering (120 ECTS)3 crédits  
 Master in bio-informatics and modelling (120 ECTS)3 crédits  

Lecturer

Kristel Van Steen

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

In this course an introduction is given to different flavors of genetic epidemiology, as there are aggregation, segregation, linkage, association analysis (with population stratification) and fine-mapping or validation analyses. The red thread will be "nature versus nurture", which will be explained via approximately 4 "theory" classes.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the course, students


  • understand what genetic epidemiology is and what it is not
  • have a basic understanding of the role of families in different analysis work flows within classic genetic epidemiology and
  • understand the impact of ignoring family structure or cryptic relatedness in genetic epidemiology contexts.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

A background in biomedicine or informatics is a pro, but not essential.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is a project-driven one: assignments are given that, all together, constitute a project in genetic epidemiology. Approximately 4 theoretical sessions are organized, during which general aspects of genetic epidemiology are explained and particular aspects relevant for the project work are covered.
In-between sessions may be organized to help out the students with the practical work (upon request).

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Face-to-face.

Recommended or required readings

There is no mandatory textbook. Useful references will be given as the course progresses. All course material is posted on the course website which is accessible via
bio3.giga.ulg.ac.be
or
http://www.montefiore.ulg.ac.be/~kvansteen/

Assessment methods and criteria

Students are assessed via project work, the defense of which serves as oral exam. This holds true for both examination sessions (i.e., in June and in September).
Evaluation criteria are


  • the clarity of the presented work (slides + report)
  • accuracy
  • originality and provided background information (with links to the theoretical course notes)
  • presentation skills
  • general understanding (assessed via questions-answers while discussing the presented work).
A detailed repartition of the final score will be presented on the course website. Handing in all intermediate project assignments, in time, is necessary to pass the course. The second term exam will involve ameliorating the worst component of the project work, and will be organized in the same format as the first term exam.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Course language: English
The course is organized in the second semester. The detailed calendar and announcements are available on the course website.
Exam in June

Contacts

Kristel Van Steen - e-mail kristel.vansteen@ulg.ac.be
Assistant: to be determined
Preferred contact mode: e-mail (include GBIO0015 in the subject title) or personal contact, after a lecture or by appointment