GS040032   Molecular Epidemiology

Wu, Xifeng. Two semester hours. Spring even-numbered years. Prerequisite: None

The causes of most chronic diseases in the general population involve the interaction of inherited genotypes, somatic genetic damage, exogenous exposures, and endogenous metabolic pathways. A complete understanding of disease etiology may therefore require a multidisciplinary approach that draws on methods from epidemiology, statistics, classical genetics, and molecular biology. In addition to an overview of molecular biology and epidemiology, this course will present methods and techniques for molecular epidemiology studies. Emphasis will be placed on the application of biomarkers. Advantages and limitations of using biomarkers in epidemiologic studies will be discussed.