Genomic Epidemiology in Africa

6-11 May 2012
Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi

Now closed for applications.To be kept updated on dates for the next course, please email us.

Course overview

Large-scale genetic studies have become a powerful tool for understanding 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 population genetics and genome wide association studies (GWAS); participants will be able to perform analyses on their own data. 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, sickle cell disease and Malaria.

The outline of the course will follow the experimental process: an introduction to population genetics and its relevance to study design, through data collection and analysis, and on to interpreting and following up results. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of publically available software and resources (such as PLINK, HapMap, and 1000 genomes) and the benefits of collaborative research. Material will be covered by lectures, practicals and break-out discussion sessions.

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 identification of 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

How to apply

Prerequisites

Applicants should be researchers or clinicians engaged in relevant research. Basic computing skills, including a familiarity with genetic epidemiology research, required.

Cost

The course is subsidised by the Wellcome Trust and there is no course fee for academic applicants.The fee for commercial applicants is £1000.

Bursaries

Bursaries are available for academic 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 will be required to complete an application form containing a 300-word outline of the relevance of the course to their research. Please note that documentation supporting their application will be required from the applicant's supervisor/head of department.

To submit an application, please either:

Applications can be accepted by post or email. Sponsors' supporting letters must be returned, signed, by fax or post under separate cover. Please note: Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Applications and letters of support should be sent to:

Wellcome Trust Advanced Courses
Wellcome Trust Genome Campus
Hinxton
Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
F +44 (0)1223 495130
E opendoor@hinxton.wellcome.ac.uk

Wellcome Trust, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, UK T:+44 (0)20 7611 8888