PUBLIC HEALTH GENOMICS

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.

MDGENET 911

Genetics and genomics are rapidly evolving fields. In modern clinical care settings, clinicians will be exposed to genetic and genomic data, including that brought by patients, and knowing how to read genetic and genomic data is increasingly necessary in clinical practice. Genetics and genomics in a clinical setting spans a wide range of topics including diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases. Familiarity with clinical genetic analysis, and the genetic approaches used in basic science, helps medical students better understand genetic disease background. Learn how to bridge basic concepts of human genetics and clinical genetics (actual diseases). Emphases will include research into human genetic diseases, including designing genetic testing, using model organisms and/or cell culture systems, and the development of genetic testing technologies.

PATH 949

The genome impacts human health and disease from the moment of conception throughout growth, development, and aging. This course offers a comprehensive overview of clinical laboratory testing in the fields of medical genetics and public health. Topics include how genetic testing is integrated into patient care, including prenatal genetics, newborn screening, genetic testing in children and adults, and oncology genetics. Students will develop a strong foundational knowledge of basic genetics principles, identify indications for genetic testing, interpret population screening results and the implications for public health, assess the utility of diagnostic testing, and recognize the limitations of genetic testing and clinical laboratory medicine. It is anticipated that students will incorporate these concepts, knowledge, experiences, and evidence in their future clinical practice.

PUBAFFR 523

Social genomics integrates theories and methods in the genomic, social, and population health sciences to answer questions relevant to public health and social well-being. Research topics in social genomics and their implications for social and public policy are covered in this course. Key concepts in human genetics, population genetics, and statistical genetics are introduced, as well as historical and contemporary policy debates surrounding scientific advances in genomics. Fundamental questions include social repercussions of genomics research, the rationale for government intervention, and how to approach policy analysis in an era where the genomic revolution is changing how we think about privacy and personal identity.