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Swedish title Molekylär Epidemiologi
English title Molecular Epidemiology
Course number 2692
Credits 1.5
Responsible KI department Institutet för miljömedicin
Specific entry requirements
Grading Passed /Not passed
Established by The Board of Doctoral Education
Established 2013-03-07
Purpose of the course
Intended learning outcomes Students having successfully completed this course should be able to:

- Understand the molecular basis of the most commonly used analytical platforms (proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics) in molecular epidemiology.
- Understand the different design of epidemiological studies
- Understand how molecular data can be analysed and interpreted in epidemiological studies.
- Understand the role of molecular markers (biomarkers) as predictors or indicators of a disease
- Explain the possible mechanisms underlying changes in circulating levels of biomarkers
- Discuss how the same molecular approach may give different information in different study designs.
- Interpret molecular epidemiology study results critically.
Contents of the course The course introduces basic concepts on the different molecular methodologies and how to use them and interpret the results obtained in epidemiological studies. During the course we will discuss using practical examples how the choice of epidemiological study design is a crucial step to analyse the association of novel biomarkers with complex diseases.

During the course special attention will be given to discuss:
- different molecular approaches from genetic association studies to proteomics, metabolomics etc;
- how to validate novel biomarkers;
- theories and concepts related to the interpretation of molecular epidemiological studies;
- the emerging role of biomarkers in epidemiological research;
- ethical considerations with regard to occasional findings.

No specific knowledge is required to be eligible for the course.
However we are going to send a test two weeks before the course begins that represent a form of self-assessment for the student. The students may use some of the literature indicated in the course literature to fill in gaps when needed. On the first day of the course we will go through the test and discuss together the questions and the answers.
Teaching and learning activities Apart from lectures, the course will include different form of group work where the students will work in pairs and/or in small groups in separate rooms. Every group work session will be followed by collegial a discussion in the class. Group tasks will include critical discussions of research articles in order for students to practice their skills in the evaluation of molecular epidemiology studies.
Compulsory elements Individual and group examinations are mandatory. Absence is compensated by handing in an individual assignment.
Examination Learning outcomes will be assessed using 1) a short individual written examination, and 2) oral presentations of group work.
Literature and other teaching material Rothman K J: Epidemiology: An introduction. Oxford University Press 2012.
Chapter 2: What is causation? Page 8
Chapter 3: Measuring Disease Occurrence and Causal Effects. Page 24
Chapter 4: Types of Epidemiological Studies. Page 57
Chapter 5: Biases in Study Design. Page 94

Rothman N. Molecular Epidemiology: Principles and Practice. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Scientific Publication 2012.
Section 4. Incorporating biomarkers into epidemiology study designs
Section 5. Application of biomarkers to disease
Course responsible Bruna Gigante
Institutionen för medicin, Solna


Bruna.Gigante@ki.se
Contact person Andrea Balassa
Institutet för miljömedicin


andrea.balassa@ki.se