Epidemiology

Training has both a didactic and a research component. The didactic component includes both an academic program and a series of practical laboratory rotations. The academic program consists of a series of academic courses in human genetics, epidemiology, statistical genetics, computer simulations, research communication skills, and responsible conduct of research. The laboratory rotations take place in a number of laboratories at Columbia University, where a rich and broad variety of genetic studies are being carried out.

In the research component each fellow works closely with a preceptor on an independent research project of the fellow's choosing; the fellow prepares a clearly written research proposal, carries out the proposal, prepares an oral description of the study and its results, and produces a publishable manuscript based on the completed study.

• At the end of training, fellows should understand the following:
• The biological underpinnings of genetic influences on disease risk;
• How to formulate testable hypotheses in human genetics and how to design studies to test those hypotheses;
• The critical importance of phenotype definition;
• The factors that go into selecting appropriate samples;
• Issues of responsible conduct of research and Good Clinical Practice;
• The mathematical underpinnings of genetic analysis, including familial aggregation studies, twin studies, and segregation, linkage, and association analysis;
• Laboratory genotyping and sequencing, extracting DNA from blood, PCR, etc.;
• Proper data management of genetic and clinical data through the use of a data base management system;
• How to use current genetic analysis programs, to interpret the results, and to test and evaluate new methods of genetic analysis as they become available; and
• Microarray technology and other current molecular-biological techniques.

For students who have not yet received a master's degree, the Department of Biostatistics offers a Master of Science (MS) track in Statistical Genetics.