Genetic Epidemiology

Curriculum and Faculty

The field of genetic epidemiology is focused on designs and analytical techniques to identify how genes contribute to risk for disease.

The academic program in the genetic epidemiology track provides a comprehensive introduction to study designs and statistical approaches used in genetic epidemiology. This includes assessment of heritability, segregation analysis, population genetics, linkage analysis and association analyses of genetic polymorphisms, their interactions, and the interaction of genes and environments in both population- and family-based studies.

The sequence of genetic epidemiology courses taken during the first year offers a broad-based introduction to techniques of gene identification and risk estimation. These courses complement the required epidemiological and biostatistics sequence, and emphasize how genetic techniques can be merged with conventional epidemiologic study designs. Other requirements of the genetic epidemiology track (Introduction to Molecular Biology) are designed to insure the student has a firm understanding of the molecular underpinnings of genetics. In addition to the required courses, a number of informal discussion groups and tutorials are scheduled throughout the year.

The Curriculum Includes

  • Didactic course work in epidemiology including specific coursework in genetic epidemiology
  • Participation in genetic epidemiology research-in-progress meetings, bi-monthly journal club, monthly seminar series
  • Analysis of existing genetic epidemiology data set

Students are required to complete the Epidemiology Department’s basic core curriculum in addition to the required coursework for their track. There are course requirements for each track as well as course requirements for each degree program. Each track curriculum is detailed in the Department’s academic guide. Click here to view the course requirements for the Genetic Epidemiology track.

Faculty

Part Time Faculty

Joint Faculty