Human Genome Analysis: Genetic Analysis of Multifactorial Diseases

11-17 July 2012

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge
Deadline for applications: 6 April 2012

Course summary

An intensive, residential, computer-based course aimed at scientists actively involved in genetic analysis of multifactorial traits.

Programme

This advanced course covers statistical methods currently used to map disease susceptibility genes, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) methods that can analyse family data or a combination of families and individuals. Discussions of the latest statistical methodology are complemented by practical hands-on computer exercises using state-of-the-art software. The statistical basics behind each method will be carefully explained so that participants with a non-statistical background can understand.

With a focus on family data, we will discuss fundamental issues needed to increase success in gene mapping studies including: optimal study design, power to detect linkage and association, determining the most appropriate statistical methods and software, interpretation of statistical results and trouble shooting. We will also cover the basic principles of statistical inference, hypothesis testing, population and quantitative genetics and Mendelian inheritance. Our interactive and intensive educational program will enable one to better carry out sophisticated statistical analyses of genetic data, and will also improve one's interpretation and understanding of the results. All the software used is freely available, so that skills learned can be easily applied after the course.

Teaching will take the form of lectures by invited speakers, informal tutorials, hands-on computer sessions, and analysis of disease family data sets. There will also be an opportunity to discuss participants' own data sets.

For more information on course content, please refer to the 2011 Timetable (pdf)

Course organisers

• Daniel Weeks (University of Pittsburgh, USA)
• Mark Lathrop (Centre National de Genotypage, Evry, France)

Course instructors

• Heather Cordell (Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK)
• Janet Sinsheimer (University of California, Los Angeles, USA)
• Eric Sobel (University of California, Los Angeles, USA)
• Joe Terwilliger (Columbia University, New York, USA)
• Chad Garner (University of California, Irvine, USA)
• Simon Heath (Centre Nacional d’Anàlisi Genòmica (CNAG), Barcelona, Spain)

2011 Guest speakers (2012 guest speakers TBC shortly)

Professor William O. Cookson (Imperial College London, UK)
Professor Elizabeth R. Hauser (Duke University Medical Center, USA)
Professor Aarno Palotie (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK)
Professor Mingyao Li (University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, USA)
Professor Sebastian Zöllner (University of Michigan, USA)

Feedback from previous courses

“The course was highly relevant for my current work and I am sure it will shape my next steps in my career.”

“I wish to thank the course instructors and the Wellcome trust for providing me the opportunity [to] gain knowledge and share thoughts.”

“Thanks a lot for this great course and the great time we have spent here!”

How to apply

Participants
The target audience is ideally postdoctoral researchers and advanced graduate students who have real data to analyse. Applications from senior established investigators are usually not considered. We aim to accept the member of a research group who is most likely to actually be analysing the data and who is most likely to share their training with other members. This course is aimed at the non-statistically trained researcher rather than those with advanced training in statistics.

Cost
The course tuition fees are subsidised by the Wellcome Trust for scientists based in non-commercial institutions anywhere in the world. This is a residential course, without exception, and there is a registration fee of £800 towards board and lodging for non-commercial applicants. The fee for commercial applicants is £3000.

Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available for non-commercial applicants (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
Deadline for applications: 6 April 2012