Human Genome Analysis: Genetic Analysis of Multifactorial

21-27 July 2010
Deadline for applications: 1 April 2010
Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge

Course summary
An intensive, residential, computer-based course aimed at scientists actively involved in genetic analysis of multifactorial traits.

Programme
This advanced course covers statistical methods currently used to map disease susceptibility genes, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) methods that can analyse family data or a combination of families and individuals. Discussions of the latest statistical methodology are complemented by practical hands-on computer exercises using state-of-the-art software. The statistical basics behind each method will be carefully explained so that participants with a non-statistical background can understand.

With a focus on family data, we will discuss fundamental issues needed to increase success in gene mapping studies including: optimal study design, power to detect linkage and association, determining the most appropriate statistical methods and software, interpretation of statistical results and trouble shooting. We will also cover the basic principles of statistical inference, hypothesis testing, population and quantitative genetics and Mendelian inheritance.Our interactive and intensive educational program will enable one to better carry out sophisticated statistical analyses of genetic data, and will also improve one's interpretation and understanding of the results.All the software used is freely available, so that skills learned can be easily applied after the course.

Teaching will take the form of lectures by invited speakers, informal tutorials, hands-on computer sessions, and analysis of disease family data sets. There will also be an opportunity to discuss participants' own data sets.

Course organisers
Daniel Weeks (University of Pittsburgh, USA)
Mark Lathrop (Centre National de Genotypage, Evry, France)
Course instructors
Heather Cordell (Institute of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK)
Janet Sinsheimer (University of California, Los Angeles, USA)
Eric Sobel (University of California, Los Angeles, USA)
Joe Terwilliger (Columbia University, New York, USA)
Chad Garner (University of California, Irvine, USA)
Simon Heath (Centre National de Genotypage, Evry, France)
2009 guest speakers (2010 speakers TBC shortly)
Professor Gail Jarvik (University of Washington Medical Center, USA)
Professor Michael Epstein (Emory University School of Medicine, USA)
Professor Timothy Frayling (University of Exeter, UK)
Professor Josée Dupuis (Boston University School of Public Health, USA)
Professor Cathryn Lewis (King's College London, UK)

Cost
The course tuition fees are subsidised by the Wellcome Trust for scientists based in non-commercial institutions anywhere in the world. This is a residential course, without exception, and there is a registration fee of £800 towards board and lodging for non-commercial applicants. The fee for commercial applicants is £3000.

Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available for academics (50 per cent of fee) and are subject to open competition.

Applications
Applicants will be required to complete an application form containing a 300-word outline of the relevance of the course to their research. Please note that documentation supporting their application will be required from the applicant's supervisor/head of department.

Bursaries for Wellcome Trust Advanced Courses
The Wellcome Trust subsidises all courses and workshops, so there are no tuition fees. The ‘course fee' for the UK courses (held at Hinxton) covers on-site accommodation and food for the duration of the course. Bursaries are available to assist with UK course fees, but not travel costs. We are committed to building scientific capacity in developing countries and are expanding the number of courses and workshops run outside of the UK (‘overseas' courses). There is no fee for these courses and bursaries are available for travel, sustenance and accommodation. Please see below for full details.

UK Courses (held at the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus in Hinxton)
A limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are awarded by the selection committee according to merit. The bursary usually covers 50 per cent of the course fee, though in exceptional circumstances an application for the total course fee may be considered. Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may issue smaller amounts. We cannot assist with travel costs. All bursary requests to attend UK courses must be accompanied by a bursary application form. This must be completed and signed by your scientific sponsor (supervisor or head of department) and include justification for the bursary. Applicants will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on the course, usually within one month of the application deadline. We will reject incomplete applications. Both the application form and sponsor's letter must be received before the application deadline. The decision of the selection committee is final.

Overseas courses (held outside the UK)
A number of bursaries are available for each overseas course. These are awarded by the selection committee according to merit. There is no course fee.The bursary will cover travel, accommodation and sustenance. The maximum award for travel (in economy/second class) will be £750. All likely travel costs must be detailed in the overseas bursary application form, which must accompany all bursary requests for courses held outside of the UK. We will notify you of the chosen hotel and sustenance award if successful. The selection committee may judge that a partial award should be granted. We will reject incomplete applications. Both the application form and sponsor's letter must be received before the application deadline.