Common diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease result from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Recent developments in genomics research have boosted progress in the discovery of susceptibility genes and fuelled expectations about opportunities of genetic profiling for personalizing medicine. One of the challenges of the next decades is to translate these findings into clinical practice.
The course provides a concise overview of the key methodology and developments in genomics research from a clinical and public health perspective. The course takes a pragmatic approach: students will learn the essential background knowledge that is needed to understand scientific papers on major topics, including genome-wide association studies, whole genome sequencing, pharmacogenetics, expression profiling, meta-analysis, risk prediction, genetic test assessment, behavioral interventions and population screenings. Each theoretical lecture is followed by a discussion of a recent scientific paper that is representative for the specific research topic.
The aim of this course is to introduce participants into the basic principles of translational research in genomics. The course will address the application of genetics in risk prediction, diagnostic and prognostic research. A basic introduction into the genetics of complex disorders will be given as well as a basic introduction in the principles of statistical genetics.
Objectives
- To learn about potential applications of genomics in medicine and public health.
- To learn basic methods of translational research
- To learn how to read and assess scientific articles in genomics research
For more information and the preliminary programme, e-mail Cecile Janssens at: a.janssens@erasmusmc.nl.