Prospectus

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Statistical genetics

Course
2020-2021

Admission Requirements

-

Course Description

Statistical genetics is an important topic within the Life and Behavioral Sciences. The structure within families (pedigrees) and the dependency structure between genetic markers at the genome require specific statistical tools and software packages for analysis of the data. The topics addressed during this course will be: estimation of heritability, detecting new genetic factors using genome wide linkage and association studies, analysis of genotype by environment interactions, next generation sequencing data, and important data bases such as Hapmap. Several software packages will be introduced. Data sets from human genetics and from animal and plant breeding will be analyzed.

Course objectives

Obtain knowledge on statistical genetics and obtain the skills to analyze data from human/animal and plant genetics.

Mode of Instruction

Lectures and practicals (partly computer practicals, partly exercises)

Time Table

See the Leiden University students' website for the Statistical Science programme -> Schedules

Assessment method

A minimum of 5.5 points (out of 10) has to be achieved for the exam as well as for each of three assignments. Final grade depends on written exam (2/3) and three assignments (each 1/9). Assignments are completed and submitted on the same day during practical hours.

The written exam is closed book with own notes. One sheet of paper (two pages) may be prepared and taken to the exam. Apart from a calculator no further material is allowed at the exam.

Date information about the exam and resit can be found in the Time Table pdf document under the tab “Masters Programme” at http://www.math.leidenuniv.nl/statscience. The room and building for the exam will be announced on the electronic billboard, to be found at the opposite of the entrance, the content can also be viewed here http://info.liacs.nl/math/.

Reading List

  • Lecture notes and review papers

  • The Fundamentals of Modern Statistical Genetics, Laird and Lange, Springer 2011

  • Statistical genetics of quantitative traits: linkage, maps, and QTL, Wu, Ma & Casella, Springer 2007

Course Registration

Enroll in Blackboard for the course materials and course updates.

To be able to obtain a grade and the EC for the course, sign up for the (re-)exam in uSis ten calendar days before the actual (re-)exam will take place. Note, the student is expected to participate actively in all activities of the program and therefore uses and registers for the first exam opportunity.

Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to apply.

Contact information

S [dot] Boehringer [at] lumc [dot] nl

Remarks

  • This is an elective course of the Master Statistical Science for the Life and Behavioural sciences.