BIOS6110

Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2004

Provides an introduction to the fields of bioinformatics and genetic epidemiology from a statistical point of view. Students will be taught how to apply appropriate statistical methods to the analysis of genetic data.
The course is offered in conjunction with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA)

Objectives On completion students will:
1. have a basic understanding of modern genetics;
2. understand the implications of bioinformatics for epidemiology, gene discovery and studies of gene function;
3. be able to apply appropriate statistical methods to the analysis of genetic data from studies of human subjects, both family and population-based.
Content The first component of the course is an introduction to various topics of elementary molecular biology, which is fundamental to the analysis of genetics data. Conducting database searches (of DNA, RNA, amino acids and proteins databases) is one of the most common tasks in bioinformatics, so a grounding in these methods is provided.
Students will also be given a grounding in important probability/statistical models (Mendelian inheritance, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, crossing over, and map distance). Descriptions of the various types of genetic studies (linkage and family studies, linkage disequilibrium and population studies) will also be provided.
Replacing Course(s) N/A
Transition N/A
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Epidemiology;
Mathematical Background for Biostatistics;
Principles of Statistical Inference;
Linear Models
Probability and Distribution Theory
Modes of Delivery Distance Learning : Paper Based
Teaching Methods Self Directed Learning
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Assignments 60% (Three written assignments worth 20% each).
Take home exam worth 40%.
Contact Hours Self Directed Learning: for 6 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Compulsory Components
Requisite by Enrolment This course is only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Medical Statistics or Master of Medical Statistics programs.