Human Complex Trait Genetics: Topics

Methods for genetic analysis

Kathy Evans, Stewart Morris, Philippe Gautier, Varrie Ogilvie, Gail David, Cathie Sudlow, Judy Fantes, Ben Pickard, Elaine Nimmo

The first part of the course covers a wide variety of approaches that are currently used to analyse and understand human genetic variation and susceptibility to disease. These include computational tools, microarray analyses, gene databases, meta-analyses and cytogenetic techniques.

Practical applications

William Hennah, Susan Farrington, Susan Holloway, Alastair Brown

In this section of the course, students will learn how a variety of techniques for genetic analysis are put into practice. Subjects covered include the genetic analysis of complex disease, genetic testing and population screening, and applications of statistical genetics in the clinical genetics service. There is also a workshop in which students create a database for storage of human genetic mutation data.

Human genetic variation - patterns, databanks and ethics

Andy MacLeod, Sarah Cunningham-Burley, Sarah Harris, Jim Wilson, Jenny Ure

This part of the course explores the large-scale population-based projects which are necessary for examining the genetic basis of complex human diseases. Students will hear about the pattern of human genetic variation and specifc projects including Generation Scotland and the Scottish Mental Surveys. They will also learn about some of the key issues related to studies of this kind including public understanding and ethics.

Animal models to detect human gene function

Ian Jackson, Sally Cross, Helen Newbery, Rob van't Hof

Animal modles are essential for a proper understanding of human gene function. In this section of the course, students will hear about a variety of approaches to creating and studying animal models.

Human Complex Trait Genetics Overview
Human Complex Trait Genetics Reading

Semester 2 Summary