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Title An Introduction to Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology
Course number 3077
Programme Epidemiologi
Language English
Credits 1.5
Date 2023-10-02 -- 2023-10-11
Responsible KI department Institutionen för medicinsk epidemiologi och biostatistik
Specific entry requirements Knowledge in epidemiology equivalent to the course Epidemiology I: Introduction to Epidemiology or corresponding courses
Purpose of the course The course focuses on basic concepts, methods, and study design in genetic and molecular epidemiology research.
Intended learning outcomes After successfully completing this course you are expected to be able to:
- Describe the basic organization of the human genome, familial inheritance, and how genetic variation can influence complex traits.
- Explain specific genetic methods and argue for how these methods can be used in epidemiological studies.
- Explain different types of molecular omics techniques and argue for how these methods can be used in epidemiological studies.
- Describe the fundamentals of study design, sample randomization, and common biases in analyses of genetic and molecular epidemiological data to draw conclusions on how new sample collections should be conducted.
- Critically reflect upon how genetic methods can be beneficial for research and for individuals, and of ethical issues that may arise in genetic research.

Intended learning outcomes are classified according to Bloom's taxonomy: knowledge, comprehension,
application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (Bloom, 1956, extended by Anderson and Krathwohl, 2001).
Contents of the course The course is about concepts and methods used in genetic and molecular epidemiology research. It will cover basic genetic inheritance and how genetic variation influences disease and other phenotypes. The course will introduce genetic methods such as twin studies and genome-wide association analyses, and methods based on results from genome-wide association studies (e.g. Mendelian randomization and polygenic score analyses). It will also cover common molecular methods applied in large-scale settings in epidemiology (epigenetics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, etc.).
Teaching and learning activities Blended learning approach with reading sessions, lectures, and group discussions with invited experts.
Compulsory elements The individual examination (summative assessment) is compulsory.
Examination The student has to show that all the intended learning outcomes have been achieved. An individual assessment of the learning outcomes will be a written home examination. Students who do not obtain a passing grade in the first examination will be offered a second chance of submission of home examination within two months of the final day of the course. Students who do not obtain a passing grade at the first two examinations will be given top priority for admission the next time the course is offered.
Literature and other teaching material Recommended reading:
Scientific articles and handouts distributed before and during the course.
Number of students 8 - 25
Selection of students Eligible doctoral students will be prioritized according to 1) the relevance of the course syllabus for the applicant’s doctoral project (according to written information), 2) date for registration as a doctoral student (priority given to earlier registration date). To be considered, submit a completed application form. Give all information requested, including a short description of current research training and motivation for attending, as well as an account of previous courses taken.
More information The course is extended over time in order to promote reflection and reinforce learning. Course dates are October 2, 4, 6, 9 och 11. The course will be held at KI campus.
Additional course leader
Latest course evaluation Course evaluation report
Course responsible Ida Karlsson
Institutionen för medicinsk epidemiologi och biostatistik

ida.karlsson@ki.se
Contact person Gunilla Nilsson Roos
Institutionen för medicinsk epidemiologi och biostatistik
08-524 822 93
gunilla.nilsson.roos@ki.se