Complex Trait Analysis

This short course focuses on mathematical approaches to studying complex diseases in humans using the mouse as a paradigm. The course covers a variety of topical diseases, including cancer, obesity and diabetes as well as diseases with an epidemiological component such as AIDS. The emphasis is on training both mathematicians and biologists in this increasingly important area. Biologists will walk away with a clearer understanding of the tools available for genomic applications and mathematicians will gain an appreciation of contemporary computational problems in modern genetics and applied genomics.

The course goals are:

(1) to increase the understanding of genetic and statistical principles among both biologists grappling with statistics and statisticians grappling with modern biological applications relevant to the analysis of complex phenotypes and, most notably, disease;

(2) to increase the ability of these researchers to evaluate critical evidence from genetic and molecular biological studies and effectively use the necessary mathematical tools;

(3) to improve the ability of investigators to develop appropriate study designs using contemporary molecular and statistical genetic approaches; and

(4) to develop professional relationships that promote interdisciplinary research efforts among course participants and faculty.

Participants will be introduced to statistical genetic models, software tools, and important biological problems illustrated by the use of real data. Biological questions will be framed largely around a variety of human disease-related traits including, but not limited to, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and obesity. Key concepts that will be addressed include the relationships between genotype and phenotype, transmission genetics, population genetics, gene action and interaction, genetic and physical mapping, experimental designs for genetic mapping in model organisms, and sampling issues in human studies.

Lectures will be held in the mornings after a 15-minute review of the previous day's material. Interactive sessions, such as tutorials, workshops, problem sets, discussions and computer instruction, are held in the afternoons and evenings. The workshops and tutorials supplement the lecture material through hands-on experience, problem solving, and more informal exchange dynamics with the faculty. Some recreational activities are also scheduled in the afternoons. Evening sessions are relaxed and may include didactic sessions, group discussions, or workshops and tutorials on computer use, molecular biology, or study design. On the first evening, to promote participant interaction, students introduce themselves and give short presentations on their professional interests and their expectations of the course. Roundtables are scheduled in the evenings and are intended to be informal sessions with course faculty available for discussion of that day's topics.

Application for admission is made by submitting via email, post or fax to the contact person (see link above):

-a letter describing your research background and describing your motivation to attend this course. Please include your gender, minority status, and your scholarship request if applicable. Gender is especially important for shared room assignments;

-a brief curriculum vitae, 2 page maximum;

-a letter of recommendation from your mentor or supervisor (only required if you do not hold a doctoral degree).

Travel Scholarships may become available on a limited basis to help pre- and post-doctoral students with travel expenses. Gender and minority status will be considered. Scholarship requests must be accompanied by a letter of support from the applicant's advisor. Scholarships are only available to US Citizens UNLESS you are in the United States under a work visa (green card) and are officially engaged in federally funded scientific research. Please include this information in your letter. Scholarships are awarded in a check issued after the course has been completed. Full registration fee must be paid in advance.

Applications by women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Accepted applicants will be provided with registration information