Genetic Epidemiology

Genetic epidemiology studies the role of genes in disease, focusing particularly on familial and hereditary factors in the origin and expression of human disease. Whether alone or in interaction with environmental factors, genetic variants underlie a wide range of diseases – including cancer, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders.

Recent developments in molecular biology mean that genetic epidemiology is now developing rapidly. Over the next ten years, the major thrust of research will lie on identifying the genes involved in complex diseases, as well as their effect on disease risk, and their relationship with other genetic and environmental risk factors.

Developments in high-throughput technologies are also creating a constant demand for new statistical approaches; these will in turn create a key role for statistical genetics in gene discovery and in translational studies. One ultimate goal of genetic epidemiological research will be to translate findings into clinical medicine and public health practice, eventually leading to more targeted surveillance and improved clinical care.

The Nihes Genetic Epidemiology programme provides comprehensive training in epidemiology, genetics and molecular biology, biostatistics and statistical genetics, clinical decision-making and public health. Nihes offers the following Master of Science training programmes in Genetic Epidemiology as well as short courses:

Genetic Epidemiology
This course focuses on basic genetic epidemiology research, and is intended for students interested in gene discovery and in characterizing the relationships between genetic variants and disease.

Master of Science programmes for Bachelor graduates
Master of Science programmes for Master graduates and health professionals

Clinical and Public Health Genomics
Offering a broad range of courses from molecular genetics to ethical, legal and societal aspects of genomics, this course is ideal for students wishing to focus on genetics and clinical or public health research.

Statistical Genomics
Providing in-depth statistical courses, this course is suitable for students interested in basic epidemiology research analysis. More info on this course will be available soon.

Short courses
All courses in the Genetic Epidemiology programme can be attended as single courses outside the training programme.