Duration
15h Th, 15h Pr, 60h Proj.
Number of credits
Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedical Engineering | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
In this course an introduction is given to different flavors of genetic epidemiology, as there are aggregation, segregation, linkage, association analysis (with population stratification) and fine-mapping or validation analyses. Emphases on one or the other will depend on the actual background of the student population taking the course. However, the red thread will be "nature versus nurture", which will be explained via approximately 4 "theory" classes.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of the course, students
- understand what genetic epidemiology is and what it is not
- have a basic understanding of the role of families in different analysis work flows within classic genetic epidemiology and
- understand the impact of ignoring family structure or cryptic relatedness in genetic epidemiology contexts
This course contributes to the learning outcomes II.1, II.2, VII.3, VII.4, VII.5 of the MSc in biomedical engineering
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Good knowledge of statistics. A background in biomedicine or informatics is a pro, but not essential.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is a project-driven one: assignments are given that, all together, constitute a project in genetic epidemiology. Approximately 4 theoretical sessions are organized, during which general aspects of genetic epidemiology are explained and particular aspects relevant for the project work are covered.
In-between sessions may be organized to help out the students with the practical work (upon request).
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
In-person or online (COVID-19).
Recommended or required readings
There is no mandatory textbook. Useful references will be given as the course progresses. All course material is posted on the course website which is accessible via http://bio3.giga.ulg.ac.be/archana_bhardwaj/?Courses
Students are assessed via project work, the defense of which serves as oral exam. This holds true for both examination sessions (i.e., in June and in September).
Evaluation criteria are:
- the clarity of the presented work (slides + report)
- accuracy
- originality and provided background information (with links to the theoretical course notes)
- presentation skills
- general understanding (assessed via questions-answers while discussing the presented work).
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Course language: English
The course is organized in the second semester. The detailed calendar and announcements are available on the course website.
Depending on the number of students who enrol on this course, content and practical organization of group work may be adapted, to maximize the experience in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Contacts
Kristel Van Steen - e-mail kristel.vansteen@uliege.be
Assistant: to be communicated
Preferred contact mode: e-mail (include GBIO0015 in the subject title) or personal contact, after a lecture or by appointment. Online meetings according to COVID-19 evolutions.