Core Curriculum in Statistical Genetics

A three course core sequence in statistical genetics is offered jointly by the departments of Statistics and Biostatistics. The sequence was first offered during the 1999-2000 academic year under the heading of special topics in advanced biostatistics. As of Fall 2000, the courses are established as BIOST/STAT 550-1-2.

STAT 550 Statistical Genetics I: Mendelian Traits (3) Thompson
Mendelian genetic traits. Population genetics; Hardy-Weinberg, allelic variation, subdivision. Likelihood inference, information and power; latent variables and EM algorithm. Pedigree relationships and gene identity. Meiosis and recombination. Linkage detection. Multipoint linkage analysis. Prerequisite: STAT 390 and STAT 394, or permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with BIOST 550; A.

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

BIOST 551 Statistical Genetics II: Quantitative Traits (3) Monks
Statistical basis for describing variation in quantitative traits. Decomposition of trait variation into components representing genes, environment and gene-environment interaction. Methods of mapping and characterizing quantitative trait loci. Prerequisite: STAT/BIOST 550; STAT 423 or BIOST 515; or permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with STAT 551; W.

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

BIOST 552 Statistical Genetics III: Medical Genetics Studies (3) Wijsman
Overview of probability models, inheritance models, penetrance. Association and linkage. The lod score method. Affected sib method. Fitting complex inheritance models. Design mapping studies; multipoint, disequilibrium, and fine-scale mapping. Ascertainment. Prerequisite: STAT/BIOST 551; GENET 371; or permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with STAT 552; Sp.

In addition, the following classes are required:

GENET 562 Population Genetics (4) Felsenstein
Mathematical and experimental approaches to the genetics of natural populations, especially as they relate to evolution. Emphasis on theoretical population genetics. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: Sp.

MBT/GENET 540 Genome and Protein Sequence Analysis
Discussion of methods for computational analysis of genomic sequences, with a particular emphasis on the relevant biology, statistical issues, and available algorithms. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered Winter quarter, Starting 2001.

as well as three consecutive quarters of participation in

Biostat580B Seminar in Biostatistics: Statistical Genetics (max. 9) Wijsman, Thompson
Presentation and discussion of special topics and research results in statistical genetics. Offered: AWSp.

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