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

An introduction to genomic epidemiology, including a general overview of genetics and Mendelian and complex inheritance, as well as various elements of study design, such as participant ascertainment; phenotype definition; biologic sample selection; genotyping, sequencing, and quality control; measurement of covariates; and choice of analytic methods. Briefly covers original study designs; focuses on current study designs.

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.

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.

GENETICS 335

The ability to sequence genomes rapidly has transformed our understanding of the evolution of species and human history, our approaches to improve health and medicine, as well as how we tackle global environmental challenges, and increasingly impacts our modern world. Explore the interdisciplinary connections between genetics- and genomics-based research and important current questions related to ethics, history, and public policy.