Genomic Epidemiology in Africa 28 November-3 December 2010
KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
Deadline for applications: 27 August 2010
Course overview
Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have become a powerful tool for obtaining clues to the genetics of resistance and susceptibility to disease. There is growing interest among medical researchers in Africa in applying these new methodologies to gain a better understanding of common diseases that affect African populations. This course aims to describe the key aspects of GWAS to enable participants to perform analyses in their own research. To do so, we will cover both theoretical and practical issues of genetic epidemiology via association analysis, illustrating particular concepts with examples from recent studies in Type 2 Diabetes, Malaria and Obesity.
The outline of the course will follow the experimental process; starting with an introduction to the population genetics and its relevance to study design, through to data collection and analysis, and on to interpreting and following up results. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of publically available resources (such as HapMap, 1000 genomes and dbGAP) and the benefits of collaborative research. Each topic will involve a lecture and a computer practical, using freely available software.
Course Programme Population genetics and association studies
Patterns of diversity in natural populations and underlying molecular processes. Linkage disequilibrium and ancestry. Differences between populations and its consequences for GWAS.
Study design and exploiting population cohorts
The GWAS approach and its power to detect genetic effects. Choice of commercially available genotyping products and study individuals. Choice of control individuals. Integrating GWAS into epidemiological and cohort studies.
Data quality and basic association analysis
Genotype calling and quality control. Simple tests for association and performing a genome-wide scan. Interpreting evidence for association and identify regions of interest.
Controlling for confounding effects
Tools for investigating possible population structure and relatedness within study individuals. Methods for correcting for confounding effects. Comparing data to existing collections.
Follow up analysis
Replicating signals of association. Options for functional studies. Trans-ethnic fine-mapping. Exploiting whole genome sequence information. Imputation, meta-analysis and data sharing.
Course Organisers
KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
Deadline for applications: 27 August 2010
Course overview
Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have become a powerful tool for obtaining clues to the genetics of resistance and susceptibility to disease. There is growing interest among medical researchers in Africa in applying these new methodologies to gain a better understanding of common diseases that affect African populations. This course aims to describe the key aspects of GWAS to enable participants to perform analyses in their own research. To do so, we will cover both theoretical and practical issues of genetic epidemiology via association analysis, illustrating particular concepts with examples from recent studies in Type 2 Diabetes, Malaria and Obesity.
The outline of the course will follow the experimental process; starting with an introduction to the population genetics and its relevance to study design, through to data collection and analysis, and on to interpreting and following up results. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of publically available resources (such as HapMap, 1000 genomes and dbGAP) and the benefits of collaborative research. Each topic will involve a lecture and a computer practical, using freely available software.
Course Programme Population genetics and association studies
Patterns of diversity in natural populations and underlying molecular processes. Linkage disequilibrium and ancestry. Differences between populations and its consequences for GWAS.
Study design and exploiting population cohorts
The GWAS approach and its power to detect genetic effects. Choice of commercially available genotyping products and study individuals. Choice of control individuals. Integrating GWAS into epidemiological and cohort studies.
Data quality and basic association analysis
Genotype calling and quality control. Simple tests for association and performing a genome-wide scan. Interpreting evidence for association and identify regions of interest.
Controlling for confounding effects
Tools for investigating possible population structure and relatedness within study individuals. Methods for correcting for confounding effects. Comparing data to existing collections.
Follow up analysis
Replicating signals of association. Options for functional studies. Trans-ethnic fine-mapping. Exploiting whole genome sequence information. Imputation, meta-analysis and data sharing.
Course Organisers
- Dominic Kwiatkowski (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute/ University of Oxford, UK)
- Tom Williams (Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ University of Oxford, UK)
- Muntaser Ibrahim (University of Khartoum, Sudan)
- Manj Sandhu (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
- Inês Barroso (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
- Jeff Barrett (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
- Ele Zeggini (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
- Chris Spencer (Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, UK)
Prerequisites Applicants should be researchers or clinicians engaged in relevant research.
Cost
The course is subsidised by the Wellcome Trust and there is no course fee for non-commercial applicants.The fee for commercial applicants is £1000.
Bursaries
Bursaries are available for non-commercial applicants to cover travel and accommodation costs. These are subject to a selection process and are awarded on merit. The amount awarded will depend on the number of applicants. Bursary application information, plus terms and conditions
Applications Applicants must submit an application form. To obtain an application form, either:
- email for a form to opendoor@hinxton.wellcome.ac.uk
- download the form [Word 110KB]. Please also read our terms and conditions [Word 32KB] before applying.
Wellcome Trust Advanced Courses
Wellcome Trust Genome Campus
Hinxton
Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
DeadlinesApplications must be received by 27 August 2010
