Main Field of Study and progress level:
Medicine: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Diagnostics and Intervention
Established by: Programme council for the Biomedicine Programmes, 2018-04-09
Contents
Molecular Epidemiology is becoming increasingly important, both in academia and industry, and is, for example, an invaluable tool in the quickly progressing field of personalized medicine. With focus on different biological measurement approaches and epidemiological study designs, this course describes how molecular and epidemiolcial methods can be used to understand biological processes and infer disease mechanisms. The course also describes how molecular epidemiology can be used for biomarker discovery and follow-up. ‘Omics’ technologies (i.e. genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics) and statistical analytical approaches will be extensively covered
Students will gain an understanding of different study designs ranging from cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control to family-based designs and their advantages as well as disadvantages. Statistics on the course will cover basic measurements and approaches for hypothesis testing, such as t-test, multivariate regression, and risk prediction models.
The course will include group discussions around research articles as well as mainstream media articles where Molecular Epidemiology has been used to answer research questions. The course also includes practical computer labs. Ethical considerations regarding use of human samples and sensitive data will be covered in group sessions.
Expected learning outcomes
Know which research questions are best answered using molecular epidemiology methods and how such studies are designed. This includes knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of different molecular tools that must be considered when designing and interpreting molecular epidemiological studies.
Be able to describe the importance of study power and discuss how this relates to the need of follow up studies.
Be able to describe and evaluate methods to investigate causality.
Be able to define and discuss the properties of a useful biomarker and describe the differences between an exposure biomarker and a disease biomarker.
Show the ability to analyze sensitivity and specificity, and evaluate when one is more useful than the other.
Show basic knowledge about how to design and analyze a Genome-wide association study (GWAS).
Be able to describe how different “omics”-technologies (genetics, epigenetics, proteomics and metabolomics) can be used as molecular tools.
Show basic knowledge on which research questions are best answered with gene environment interaction studies, and what is needed to conduct such studies.
Show the ability to use online bioinformatic's tools.
Show the ability to discuss critically the ethical aspects of using large quantities of biological data collected from human subjects, and have an understanding of the balance between sharing data and protecting the personal integrity of study subjects.
Required Knowledge
90 ECTS from finished courses including at least 30 ECTS in Biology (including cell- and molecular biology) and 15 ECTS genetics; Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
Form of instruction
The course is given in English. Classroom teaching and home studies are combined with seminars, computer exercises, and a group assignment (mandatory).
Examination modes
Examination will consist of two parts. 1) Group assignment/presentation and 2) a written exam. For the group assignment 2-3 student will work together with a dummy dataset. They will present a joint report in writing and have an oral presentation. The written exam will consist of theoretical questions and problems, focusing on study design, method, or specific research question. To be awarded Pass (G) for the entire course both the group assignment and the written exam must be passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction (VG) it is required that the written exam is awarded Pass with distinction. Failed students retain the right to redo part 1) and/or 2) of the examination. A new examination will take place within 3 months after the end of the course. A student’s request of another examiner is made to the head of the Department of Radiation Sciences.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
