IMMUNOGENETICS

GENETICS/MDGENET 565

Principles, problems, and methods of modern human genetics. Focuses on how researchers discover the genetics of diseases and how those discoveries are used to improve clinical practice. Surveys aspects of (i) the molecular function of the human genome, (ii) the basic principles of human genetics including statistical genetics, quantitative genetics, and genomic variation in human populations, (iii) the genetics of rare disorders and common diseases, and genomic analysis approaches, including genome-wide association studies and sequencing, and (iv) how genetics are used in medicine and discussions covering ethical considerations of human genomic data.

ANSCI/GENETICS/POPHLTH 849

This course will provide an introduction to genetic epidemiology. Topics will include a general overview of genetics and Mendelian and complex inheritance, as well as various elements of study design, including participant ascertainment; phenotype definition; biologic sample selection; genotyping, sequencing, and quality control; measurement of covariates, and choice of analytic methods. We will briefly discuss some of the original study designs and then focus on current study designs for the remainder of the class. Additional emerging topics will be briefly touched upon. Students will complete short homework assignments to enforce concepts learned during lectures, discuss journal articles, and prepare a very short grant application for the mid-term project. In the final weeks of class, students will work together to analyze data from a real genetic study, prepare tables, interpret the findings, and present their project to their peers.

GENETICS/MDGENET 662

Focuses on the genetic basis by which cancer manifests. Provides a comprehensive overview of how cancer is generated as a result of abnormalities at the DNA level, paying special attention to oncogenes, tumor suppressors, DNA mutations, DNA repair mechanisms, chromosomal instability, and tumor heterogeneity. Stresses the role of the immune system in combating cancer, the phenomenon of cancer resistance, anti-tumor strategies, and epigenetic influences on tumorigenesis. Highlights connections between course material and clinical relevance.

GENETICS/MDGENET 708

Contemporary issues in genetic, developmental, cell, and molecular biology are addressed in a discussion format. Invited speakers give research lectures and reading material is taken from the primary literature. The discussion focuses on evaluating genetic approaches to biological problems.

GENETICS/MDGENET/POPHLTH 636

Provides an introduction to public health genomics through a review of fundamental principles of genetics, the use of genetic information in clinical and research settings, and its implications for disease management and prevention, and health promotion. Explores policies that guide public health and discusses current ethical, legal, and social implications of these policies.