Design and Analysis of Genetic-based Association Studies
23-27 August 2010
Closing date for applications: 7 May 2010
Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge
This residential workshop aims to give researchers involved in disease studies a firm grounding in the use of the latest statistical methods and software for analysis of genetic association studies. The course will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the design and analysis of such studies. Each topic will include a lecture followed by a practical session in which state-of-the-art statistical software will be applied to relevant datasets. The practical sessions will illustrate the ideas presented in the lectures. All the software used will be freely available so skills learnt can be applied to the datasets after the course.
Programme
Introduction to genetic association studies
Overview and history of genetic association studies leading up to and including genome-wide association studies.
Study design
Study design for genome-wide association studies (commercially available chips, pros and cons) and power calculations. Design of candidate gene studies via tagging and description of different genotyping technologies.
Basic association analysis
Single marker association tests including Frequentist and Bayesian tests for association. Models of association. Gene-environment and gene-gene interaction.
Quality control and population structure
Data quality control procedures to avoid the generation of spurious false positives in association studies. The confounding effects of population structure on association studies and methods for protecting against these effects.
Haplotype estimation and analysis
Inferring haplotypes from genotype data using Bayesian and Frequentist methods of haplotype inference. The use of haplotypes in genetic association studies for detection of disease variants.
Copy number variation and next generation sequencing
Methods for analysis of next generation sequencing data. Methods for inferring copy number variation. Use of such data in the detection and fine mapping of disease variants.
Family-based association studies
Testing for association using family-based study designs. Comparison with designs that use unrelated individuals.
Course instructors
- Dr Heather Cordell (Institute of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK)
- Dr Andrew Morris (Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, UK)
- Dr Jonathan Marchini (Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, UK)
The programme will also include seminars from distinguished invited speakers.
How to apply
Participants
Applicants should have a strong quantitative background (including some familiarity with statistics, mathematics or bioinformatics), a reasonable level of computer literacy and should currently be engaged in relevant research.
Cost
The course tuition fees are subsidised by the Wellcome Trust for scientists based in academic institutions anywhere in the world. This is a residential course, without exception, and there is a registration fee of £660 towards board and lodging for academic applicants. The fee for commercial (non-academic) applicants is £1800.
Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available for academics (50 per cent of fee) and are subject to open competition. Please see our
bursaries page for application information and 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:
- email for an application form to advancedcourses@hinxton.wellcome.ac.uk
- download the form [Word 116KB] and our terms and conditions [Word 28KB].
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
advancedcourses@hinxton.wellcome.ac.uk
Deadlines
Closing date for applications: 7 May 2010