DEPT. OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & BIOSTATISTICS

This site has been designed to allow prospective students, faculty, and the general public, to learn about our Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology program. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email the webmaster.

Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology encompasses the study of genetic and environmental factors affecting the distributions and dynamics of health outcomes in populations. Investigating such outcomes entails using tools from the fields of human genetics, epidemiology, and biostatistics. Numerous human disorders appear to result from a genetic predisposition or from interactions between genes and environment, providing the genetic and molecular epidemiologist with ample opportunity for making important contributions to the study of human disease.

Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology is a Division within the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The graduate program in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology focuses on the theory and application of the tools essential to this emerging field. Primary attention is given to statistical and scientific methodologies. Courses specific to this program include principles of genetic epidemiology, statistical methods in human genetics, linkage analysis, population genetics, and computational methods in genetics epidemiology. In addition, the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers the traditional courses in epidemiology and biostatistics. The student is expected to specialize either in developing methodology, in which case additional statistical courses would be relevant, or in substantive research, in which case additional epidemiology courses would be relevant. Plentiful research opportunities exist within the program, and ongoing research is discussed during seminars and frequent informal meetings with faculty. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in academia, government and industry.