Genetic Epidemiology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The majority of chronic diseases share a common risk factor: the family history for that disease. Epidemiologists can use families to assess the role of the interrelated genetic and environmental risk factors. This subject provides an introduction to epidemiological methods that are used to help identify genes associated with disease, and to estimate what proportion of the disease can be attributed to measured or unmeasured genetic factors. Concepts, methodologies, and interpretation of familial risk factors for chronic diseases are the major topics in this subject. Topics covered include introduction to population genetics, introduction to molecular genetics, design of family studies including both twin and pedigree studies, segregation analysis, linkage, association studies, estimating the magnitude of the gene effect on disease susceptibility, and genetic screening.

• calculate measures of familial aggregation;
• explain that susceptibility to complex diseases is due to both genetic and environmental factors;
• describe how genes can be altered in various ways with varying effects on molecular function;
• recall the fundamentals and limitations of studies designed to identify genes that influence disease susceptibility;
• appraise the significance of disease susceptibility genes in the risk of disease; critically appraise a genetic epidemiology study;
• evaluate a variety of techniques to find genes for disease that use epidemiological studies.

• One written assignment of 2,000 words (40%) due mid-semester
• One written assignment of 2,500 words (60%) due at the end of semester

None

Special Computer Requirements: For students studying via Distance Mode – Access to computer with a Web browser and print access. A university e-mail account is also required. Lecture notes will be provided via internet and tutorials will be conducted over the internet.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving
• Finding, evaluating and using relevant information
• Written communication
• Decision-making
• Persuasion and argumentation
• Using computers and statistical software

Special Computer Skills Required: Proficiency with a Web browser and basic word processing skills. Resources provided to Distance students: Complete lecture notes, reading material and copies of the overheads used in the lectures will be provided on a Website that can be viewed and printed by the student. A set of reading material will be mailed to each student prior to the start of semester. An electronic forum service will be provided.