This module focuses on the genetics and analysis of quantitative traits in human populations, with emphasis on estimation and prediction analysis using genetic markers. It is a good match with Module 18: Statistical & Quantitative Genetics of Disease that deals with similar topics but with a focus on disease (binary) outcomes.

Topics include: the resemblance between relatives; estimation of genetic variance associated with genome-wide identity by descent; GWAS for quantitative traits; the use of GWAS data to estimate and partition genetic variation; principles and pitfalls of prediction analyses using genetic markers.

A series of computer exercises will provide hands-on experience of implementing a variety of approaches using R, the Merlin suite of software, PLINK and GCTA (http://www.complextraitgenomics.com/software/gcta/).